Relationships

One of the primary themes running through the novel is relationships. The novel reveals that even the individuals that make up a family have different relationships among the family members. For example, Liam has a very close relationship with his mother, Sarah. Liam and his father, Allan, on the other hand, have a very combative relationship. Allan and Liam do not get along and Liam feels as if nothing he does is right and just ends up disappointing his father.

Friendship is another type of relationship the novel tackles. It seems as if Darleen hates Liam when he first arrives in Pineville. After Darleen has a chance to really get to know Liam, however, she discovers that he isn't the pompous and shallow moron she though he was. By the end of the novel, the two are friends.

Liam also manages to establish friendships with his uncle and...