Book Review: Roar – Shelley Thompson

Book Review: Roar – Shelley Thompson

A novel inspired by the original screenplay for the award-winning feature film Dawn, Her Dad & the Tractor, about a young trans woman who returns to her family farm in the wake of her mother’s death, written by celebrated actor and screenwriter Shelley Thompson.

The MacInnes family is grieving. The loss of Miranda has devastated her husband, John Andrew, her eldest daughter, Tammy, and her youngest child, Dawn. Not Donnie anymore but Dawn, like sunrise, who transitioned while her mother received cancer treatment ― without the rest of the family knowing. Now, when Dawn leaves Halifax for rural Nova Scotia to attend her mother’s funeral, she knows she’ll be meeting her sister and father for the first time as herself.

With Dawn’s revelation, John Andrew and Tammy find themselves grieving for the son and brother they once knew, while Tammy’s fiancé, Byron, becomes an unexpected ally. Between the complicated reaction from her family, unwanted attention from local bigots, and whispers from curious neighbours, Dawn wonders if she can ever really come home.

I am thrilled to share this book review of Roar by Shelley Thompson who graciously sent over a copy of “Roar” – a literary gem that left me captivated. Roar is a poignant, nuanced, and intriguing story of a family grappling with grief and dealing with extraordinary circumstances displaying their dynamic. This novel contains a deep portrayal of human emotions and relationships.

Roar is about a dysfunctional family struggling with the loss of Miranda, wife to John Andrew, and mother to her children Tammy and Dawn. Dawn, previously known as Donald, is a transgender woman who decided to transition into her true body throughout her mother’s cancer treatment.

When Dawn who lives in Halifax goes to Nova Scotia where her family lives to attend her mother’s funeral, the realization hits hard as this will be the first time her older sister Tammy and her father John Andrew will see her fully transitioned. Both are skeptical about the LGBTQ community. Tammy’s fiancé, Byron becomes an ally, helping Dawn ease in. Coming to Nova Scotia was no simple feat, Dawn is trapped in a close-minded town full of bigots and homophobia.

This book accompanies themes of hope, love, healing, acceptance, and family authenticity. Dawn’s family nurtures change in their rural neighborhood, fostering support for her community.

“Roar” ~ Shelley Thompson, Roar

Roar is a truly remarkable, evocative novel. I really enjoyed reading and seeing the intense character development through and through. As soon as I started reading this book I was in a trance, the detailing of every scene makes the writing incredible. I loved how Shelley explained everything in depth, not a stone unturned. The characters being very complex and ardent make this a more compelling read.

The idea of this book is very interesting and original. A transgender woman coming to her conservative Nova Scotian neighborhood after 5 years, expecting judgment and rude opinions. The storyline immerses readers, making them wonder, Will she be accepted? This multilayered facade of emotions further displays the true feelings of the characters.

I especially loved the father, John Andrew’s character. He is a multi-dimensional figure, encountering many emotions and thoughts at once. He deals with the heartache of losing his true love, then has to come to terms with his daughter transitioning. He is a very confused character, dealing with anger and loss simultaneously.

Deep down he loves Dawn, but out of feelings of betrayal, he always creates the worst situations whenever he engages in conversation with her. His growth as a father made the story very powerful, as he finally accepted Dawn for who she is. He understood that this is how it is going to be from now on, whether or not he likes it, and he just has to learn to accept it.

I also really appreciated the relationship between Dawn and her mother. Miranda was Dawn’s first ally, and an extremely accepting, loving mother, who greatly welcomed her children no matter who they were. Miranda and Dawn’s close bond was truly beautiful to read about.

The multiple viewpoints made this book very engaging, as I was able to take a look at a wide array of perspectives. Each person and their coping with grief while coming to terms with the reality of the situation.

While the story was engaging, I found the pacing a bit slow for my taste, as I tend to enjoy faster-paced reads.

In conclusion, “Roar”, this heart-wrenching story of resilience, acceptance, hope, love, grief, and intricate but amazing characters is an immaculate read, which grasps the reader’s emotions, perfect for anyone just wanting to read a well-thought-out book.