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As any reader knows, there are themes in books - lessons that the author wants his/her readers to come away with. Maybe even have these themes apply to his/her readers' lives. What themes do you see in Roan? Can you give an example of where/when you see the theme?

I think one big theme I've seen throughout this book is the link between Conor and the animals. The animals are an integral part of Conor's success or failure. I think it is a natural thing for animals to be our helpers and I enjoyed the relationship between Conor and Troubles. ?

I have to agree. I'm not very far into the book yet, but I do see the relationship building between Conor and Troubles. Troubles sounds like a cool dog.

I agree too. I add to that a sense of self (finding strength from within). Another obvious theme is the good vs. evil struggle. Coming of age is another.

Self-acceptance is another theme in this book. Conor must accept who and what he is in order to defeat Piasa, and his initial desire to forsake his heritage causes many problems.

I also see a theme of self-acceptance, but in addition to that, I feel there is a theme of learning how to put the needs of others first. Selflessness instead of selfishness. Not a popular message, though!

greenstripedgiraffe wrote:I also see a theme of self-acceptance, but in addition to that, I feel there is a theme of learning how to put the needs of others first. Selflessness instead of selfishness. Not a popular message, though!

I like this one.

Vermont Reviews

There are many themes that E. R. Barr has expressed in Roan. Some of the themes, like the good vs. evil, young love, coming of age and communing with the animals, are obvious. Some of the less obvious themes come as the story unfolds:
Should we be manipulating our genetic content for the betterment of mankind?
How much of the ancient Irish folklore is based on fact?
Can ancient paganism and the Christian religion work together to solve problems, like we see happening in this small town of Tinker's Grove?
There are several other themes as well that I believe can speak to the readers on a personal level. This seems to be true from some of the posts that I have read.
Kudos to Barr for spinning a tale that is so deep on so many levels.

I noticed the theme of the need to accept one's differences throughout the novel. From what I could tell, Conor constantly asks if he is changing into something vastly different from what he was throughout the first half of the book. Others tell him to be patient with the change as they keep the reality of it from him. The book wouldn't have been the same if Conor had accepted himself from the beginning, and the character development that occurs displays this theme well.

FRom the Author: Nothing makes a person more alone than to realize that he or she is different from everyone else. It doesn't matter whether that is some kind of birth defect or some kind of wonderful power lift you above everyone else. A young person wants to belong and not be different. And there is the chance for Glory,because the great ones turn their eyes outside the circle and begin to see other possibilities and there was a whispered promise in the wind that you will be guided and you will be guarded but that you also will be Hurt by others and must suffer. Only then does the hero child burst forth only then can that person change the world.

This book provides many themes as we can see. More or less I can see what the guys have already mentioned above. But I believe the self-acceptance is a big issue in a coming of age book! It is one of the feelings youngsters suffer the most these days!

There are many themes in the book. I think the most prevalent themes in the book are the struggle between good and evil and self acceptance. The main character has trouble making decisions because of the internal struggles he has with himself and his conscious. He struggles to figure out who he is and what he believes in.