When Zachary Beaver Came to Town | Themes

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town Themes

Loss

The novel begins with the carefree attitude of two teenage boys enjoying their summer vacation. However loss quickly comes to rest like a dark cloud over their heads. The first sign of loss is the mention that Toby, the narrator, has a Mom who has gone off to Nashville to attempt to live out her dream to be a country singer. Although her absence is thought by Toby to be temporary, he clearly misses her when he mentions how awful a cook his Dad is, not once but several times. It does not take long before the mention of discord between Toby's parents causes the reader to wonder if this absence might not be more permanent than temporary. Finally, Toby's Dad tells him that his Mom has plans to get an apartment in Nashville and attempt to get a record contract despite coming in second at the competition she went...
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