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Roar
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. A work of fierce allyship, of enduring love, and of gentle hope, ROAR follows a family through grief and estrangement as they become catalysts for change in their rural community. Told from multiple points of view, with confidence and tenderness, actor and screenwriter Shelley Thompson's debut novel is profoundly authentic, drawing on her own experience as the mother of a trans child and a fierce activist for the trans community.
272 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2023
9 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 26, 2023
There are a lot of things to love about Nova Scotia and there are a lot of things that can infuriate you. The beaches are lovely, and the nature will astound you. But don’t forget about the low wages or the often closed-minded and unaware attitudes of people in the rural communities. Is it because they don’t know any better or do they really live with hate in their heart? Shelley Thompson tackles this topic with grace in her new book, Roar.
In Roar, we have Dawn, coming home for her mother’s funeral, and as herself for the first time. See Dawn has been away for five years, escaping the judgements and opinions of her small town in rural Nova Scotia to find out who she really is in Toronto, Montreal and then finally finding her community and chosen family in Halifax. Dawn was born as Donald, but that is not who she really is or ever was. Dawn’s mother, Miranda, had been a part of Dawn’s life for the last few years, as they established their own meaningful relationship in Halifax when Miranda would come for cancer treatment. Miranda has met Dawn’s community and grew into a powerful and loving ally to her daughter. But Miranda hasn’t told Dawn’s sister and father, and the secret never comes out before Miranda passes.
So, when Dawn returns to her small town for the first time since she left to attend her mother’s funeral, she is also meeting her father and sister and her sister’s fiancé, Bryon for the first time as who she is. This novel is told from multiple viewpoints and works to show how each person is struggling through their grief and the newness of their situation. No one is perfect, but everyone underneath it all has love. Love and trying to understand, trying to come together again as a family.
This is a powerful novel, based on some of Thompson’s real experiences. She writes with decorum on this difficult subject in a time when we need it most. People need to accept each other and support each other but people need to have grace as well and be willing to give things time. Dawn’s father struggles with her change, but he tries, and we must acknowledge this trying. “It wasn’t perfect. On anywhere near. But it was better than indifference.”
There is pain in this book, there are people who don’t understand Dawn, people who deliberately try to hurt her. Thompson writes with heart and reality and sometimes the words hurt to read. But that’s the thing about trans people, this is their reality sometimes, and I think we are all better off knowing about their experiences. People need to be allowed to live for who they really are. We see the community come together and allowing new people to exist and slowly but surely love winning.
This is a book of hope, a book of healing and a book of building connection and community. This is the book we need now more than ever, a book that needs to be celebrated and read. Understanding and connection go a long, long way. This book is a great place to start if you have not had a lot of experience with the trans community and Thompson’s writing is approachable and tackles many difficult emotions with love and respect.
In Roar, we have Dawn, coming home for her mother’s funeral, and as herself for the first time. See Dawn has been away for five years, escaping the judgements and opinions of her small town in rural Nova Scotia to find out who she really is in Toronto, Montreal and then finally finding her community and chosen family in Halifax. Dawn was born as Donald, but that is not who she really is or ever was. Dawn’s mother, Miranda, had been a part of Dawn’s life for the last few years, as they established their own meaningful relationship in Halifax when Miranda would come for cancer treatment. Miranda has met Dawn’s community and grew into a powerful and loving ally to her daughter. But Miranda hasn’t told Dawn’s sister and father, and the secret never comes out before Miranda passes.
So, when Dawn returns to her small town for the first time since she left to attend her mother’s funeral, she is also meeting her father and sister and her sister’s fiancé, Bryon for the first time as who she is. This novel is told from multiple viewpoints and works to show how each person is struggling through their grief and the newness of their situation. No one is perfect, but everyone underneath it all has love. Love and trying to understand, trying to come together again as a family.
This is a powerful novel, based on some of Thompson’s real experiences. She writes with decorum on this difficult subject in a time when we need it most. People need to accept each other and support each other but people need to have grace as well and be willing to give things time. Dawn’s father struggles with her change, but he tries, and we must acknowledge this trying. “It wasn’t perfect. On anywhere near. But it was better than indifference.”
There is pain in this book, there are people who don’t understand Dawn, people who deliberately try to hurt her. Thompson writes with heart and reality and sometimes the words hurt to read. But that’s the thing about trans people, this is their reality sometimes, and I think we are all better off knowing about their experiences. People need to be allowed to live for who they really are. We see the community come together and allowing new people to exist and slowly but surely love winning.
This is a book of hope, a book of healing and a book of building connection and community. This is the book we need now more than ever, a book that needs to be celebrated and read. Understanding and connection go a long, long way. This book is a great place to start if you have not had a lot of experience with the trans community and Thompson’s writing is approachable and tackles many difficult emotions with love and respect.
August 3, 2025
This book captured my attention, I didn’t want to put it down. It tells the story of a family working through grief, adjusting to new family circumstances and coming together; all taking place on their dairy farm in small town Nova Scotia.
February 7, 2024
What an absolutely beautiful book! There were a number of factors that made this hit home to me particularly, but the characters are so fully human, and the story so important and deep-hearted that I think everyone would be touched and moved. I will definitely be reading this to my book group. Highly recommended!
January 17, 2026
I heard Shelley Thompson read from ROAR at Word on the Hill in September of 2025 in Halifax. She picked such a great selection to read, and she read it so beautifully that I knew that one day soon I would definitely be reading it myself.
This novel, with its emotional ups and downs, won’t be one I’ll soon forget. Set in Nova Scotia, ROAR had nice, short, well-written chapters from several different points of view, which allowed the reader to see all sides of the story. It provided me with significant insight into a diverse community and their challenges.
This novel, with its emotional ups and downs, won’t be one I’ll soon forget. Set in Nova Scotia, ROAR had nice, short, well-written chapters from several different points of view, which allowed the reader to see all sides of the story. It provided me with significant insight into a diverse community and their challenges.
November 22, 2023
Disclaimer: I've worked with Shelley Thompson for an author signing and sell her books.
Shelley Thompson made something for me. Slice-of-life family drama in rural Canada. She knew my order when most places don't even have it on the menu. The short version of my review, and the reason this is five stars when I don't like rating media, is this: this novel understands that if you are a misfit from a small town, your home is the most wonderful and terrifying place in the world.
As someone who wishes the work of Alice Oseman had been around while I was in high school, I'm glad to have this now as an adult. The story focuses on the small town in a way that rings true. The combined Coming Out and Homecoming becomes a stressful and potentially dangerous task. New faces become instant friends, old friends become icy strangers, some people take a little warming, and others decide to be enemies from the start.
I appreciate how little this novel explains. There's no explanation of the specifically Maritime culture, or any defense of Dawn's being trans. Dawn is John Andrew's daughter; she has come to her mother's funeral in her hometown. Can people accept that? I further appreciate that the characters are messy and emotional. There are layers upon layers of hurt mixed emotions. We see people butt heads and hurt each other despite their best intentions.
The scene which cemented my respect for Thompson's prose came from the father's perspective. He tries to speak to his daughter, still grappling with the fact that his daughter is a woman. Confusion, grief, and betrayal swirl in his head as he tries to communicate with her. Words of consolation and love fill his thoughts, but out of his mouth stumbles the exact worst phrase to say in the situation. That moment made it clear why Thompson used a shifting perspective. We get to see everyone try to accept the realization that there is no "going back to normal", and that normal wasn't what they thought it was.
It's also nice to have a story of rural Canada that isn't either a tragedy or a Hallmark script. I'm excited for whatever Shelley writes next.
Shelley Thompson made something for me. Slice-of-life family drama in rural Canada. She knew my order when most places don't even have it on the menu. The short version of my review, and the reason this is five stars when I don't like rating media, is this: this novel understands that if you are a misfit from a small town, your home is the most wonderful and terrifying place in the world.
As someone who wishes the work of Alice Oseman had been around while I was in high school, I'm glad to have this now as an adult. The story focuses on the small town in a way that rings true. The combined Coming Out and Homecoming becomes a stressful and potentially dangerous task. New faces become instant friends, old friends become icy strangers, some people take a little warming, and others decide to be enemies from the start.
I appreciate how little this novel explains. There's no explanation of the specifically Maritime culture, or any defense of Dawn's being trans. Dawn is John Andrew's daughter; she has come to her mother's funeral in her hometown. Can people accept that? I further appreciate that the characters are messy and emotional. There are layers upon layers of hurt mixed emotions. We see people butt heads and hurt each other despite their best intentions.
The scene which cemented my respect for Thompson's prose came from the father's perspective. He tries to speak to his daughter, still grappling with the fact that his daughter is a woman. Confusion, grief, and betrayal swirl in his head as he tries to communicate with her. Words of consolation and love fill his thoughts, but out of his mouth stumbles the exact worst phrase to say in the situation. That moment made it clear why Thompson used a shifting perspective. We get to see everyone try to accept the realization that there is no "going back to normal", and that normal wasn't what they thought it was.
It's also nice to have a story of rural Canada that isn't either a tragedy or a Hallmark script. I'm excited for whatever Shelley writes next.
Read
April 22, 2025This was a heavy book. As a genderqueer person it was difficult to read. I would recommend this to bourgeoning allies to the queer community instead.
Give me more books based on queer joy please 🥺
TW: dead-naming, cancer, death of a parent, transphobia, homophobia, racism, SA, harassment, misgendering, family estrangement
Give me more books based on queer joy please 🥺
TW: dead-naming, cancer, death of a parent, transphobia, homophobia, racism, SA, harassment, misgendering, family estrangement
December 12, 2025
A beautiful and tender story. Thompson's writing is absolutely gorgeous. The imagery lives in my mind, and her nuanced, gentle way of depicting the intricacies and intimacies of a family going through grief and reshaping their relationships with each other will live on in my heart.
March 21, 2024
This is so beautifully written. This book will stay with me forever.
November 4, 2025
Thanks for the insightful company on the way
April 21, 2025
There are many books that have made me cry. This one made me cry three (!) separate (!!) times. Tears of sorrow and tears of joy. What an incredible - and incredibly told - story. Was absolutely enraptured by this one. If the desire to share a book with others is a benchmark of quality, this is an 11 out of 10. I want everyone to read Roar.
January 15, 2024
This book invites you into the intimate space of a family navigating big changes. The characters are richly drawn with their humanity laid bare. The setting of rural Nova Scotia is a character of its own, holding space for the community navigating a life in tandem with it. This book is for everyone, It is written with humility and compassion and is accessible to anyone trying to better understand the full range of the human experience.
January 11, 2024
This is the most evocative story I have read in a long time. I was drawn into every character, every step of the way. I could walk alongside every descriptive phrase like I was there.
This is an important story, written with honesty, care, and experience, and with the protection it deserves. A must-read!
This is an important story, written with honesty, care, and experience, and with the protection it deserves. A must-read!
January 11, 2024
Great book. I would’ve given 5 stars, but thought the storyline of the death of a parent took away from the main story. It was very real and well written, making it extremely sad, which wasn’t what the story was about to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2024
Loved this audiobook. The honesty of the characters and being told from different viewpoints made it fuller. I also love that it is set in northern NS.
November 25, 2023
I devoured this book. Shelley’s words sweep you up immediately - you are invested, connected. This book feels like a love letter to Nova Scotia, to family, but, most importantly, to trans and queer folks. I loved it so much!
April 14, 2024
I think this is a pretty incredible book. Fantastic character development and growth, excellent writing and descriptions. Its biggest strength is the generosity and kindness that the book and its protagonist show to Dawn's family as they adapt to Dawn as someone they didn't know she was.
The only things holding me back from giving it five stars are that I occasionally disliked the stylistic choices for sentence structure, and I thought that the cover and title don't do anything to indicate what the book is actually about. The whole point of Dawn's character is that she doesn't roar, even when someone deserves to be roared at. She is kind and patient and gentle throughout the book.
The book is based on the movie Dawn, Her Dad, and the Tractor, and I think it should have kept that title. That would have given prospective readers more of a clue as to what the book is about. At present, nothing on the cover indicates that the book is about a trans woman reconnecting with her family in rural Nova Scotia, and I think that's a shame, because I think a lot of people who would love and benefit this book won't realize what's in front of them.
On the whole, I think it is a beautiful book that is not matched by its wrapping. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, and I wish it had an appearance that would lead them to grab it off the table as quickly as it deserves.
The only things holding me back from giving it five stars are that I occasionally disliked the stylistic choices for sentence structure, and I thought that the cover and title don't do anything to indicate what the book is actually about. The whole point of Dawn's character is that she doesn't roar, even when someone deserves to be roared at. She is kind and patient and gentle throughout the book.
The book is based on the movie Dawn, Her Dad, and the Tractor, and I think it should have kept that title. That would have given prospective readers more of a clue as to what the book is about. At present, nothing on the cover indicates that the book is about a trans woman reconnecting with her family in rural Nova Scotia, and I think that's a shame, because I think a lot of people who would love and benefit this book won't realize what's in front of them.
On the whole, I think it is a beautiful book that is not matched by its wrapping. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, and I wish it had an appearance that would lead them to grab it off the table as quickly as it deserves.
August 13, 2024
After the death of her mother, a runaway daughter/sister returns home to a family who think they've lost a son/brother. Under the worst of circumstances, this family needs to come to terms with both their present reality and the decisions they've made in the past. But it's not just their family that needs to grow - it's their whole small town. And when I say small town, I mean quintessential, everyone judging everyone else's business, small town.
This beautiful novel based on the author's screenplay (Dawn, Her Dad and a Tractor) explores respect, acceptance and grief. Told in alternating perspectives of the family members and select townsfolk, she deep dives into the dynamics of small town ignorance, the importance of language and the self talk we all do on a daily basis when facing everything. While doing the opposite of excusing bad behaviour, her characters challenge their biases and reflect on how others see them so that they can make meaningful growth in their life and community.
On a personal note, grief is something I have struggled with a lot throughout my life. Shelley Thompson's depiction of this loss hit really close to home but was also kind of therapeutic. The way the family came together to face what came their way and the way they chose to honour their mother was very touching.
This beautiful novel based on the author's screenplay (Dawn, Her Dad and a Tractor) explores respect, acceptance and grief. Told in alternating perspectives of the family members and select townsfolk, she deep dives into the dynamics of small town ignorance, the importance of language and the self talk we all do on a daily basis when facing everything. While doing the opposite of excusing bad behaviour, her characters challenge their biases and reflect on how others see them so that they can make meaningful growth in their life and community.
On a personal note, grief is something I have struggled with a lot throughout my life. Shelley Thompson's depiction of this loss hit really close to home but was also kind of therapeutic. The way the family came together to face what came their way and the way they chose to honour their mother was very touching.
December 1, 2023
Julia's review:
I read an advanced reading copy of Roar by Shelley Thompson which was published by Nimbus. The theme of this book is family matters.
This book follows Dawn, a recently transitioned young woman who comes home to her family's barn in rural Nova Scotia to grieve her mother but she has to find who she is to change people's thoughts. The setting of this book is set in Nova Scotia because Dawn lives in Halifax and moves to a rural Nova Scotian neighbourhood.
I thought this book was amazing! I really liked how Dawn was characterized as a trans woman because I am an ally of the LGBTQ community and I think it is crucial that everyone sees themselves in books. My favourite part was when Tammy's fiancee stood up for Dawn! I would recommend this book to someone who wants to be seen in a book.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
I read an advanced reading copy of Roar by Shelley Thompson which was published by Nimbus. The theme of this book is family matters.
This book follows Dawn, a recently transitioned young woman who comes home to her family's barn in rural Nova Scotia to grieve her mother but she has to find who she is to change people's thoughts. The setting of this book is set in Nova Scotia because Dawn lives in Halifax and moves to a rural Nova Scotian neighbourhood.
I thought this book was amazing! I really liked how Dawn was characterized as a trans woman because I am an ally of the LGBTQ community and I think it is crucial that everyone sees themselves in books. My favourite part was when Tammy's fiancee stood up for Dawn! I would recommend this book to someone who wants to be seen in a book.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
April 22, 2025
I was very engaged by this family drama, which centers around grief—a theme I often connect with due to my own personal experiences. I felt a strong connection to the characters, especially Dawn, who stood out as a powerful and empowering protagonist.
The writing had a very cinematic quality, which makes sense given that the author is also a screenwriter. That said, I did find the pacing a bit slow, and I didn’t love the frequent perspective shifts in this multi-POV novel.
I’m glad I chose to tandem read this with the audiobook—the narration was excellent and helped hold my attention more than reading the physical copy alone. I’m also curious to one day watch the film this book is based on, to see if I prefer that version of the story.
Overall, this was an empowering and emotional story about a trans woman, a family’s grief, and their life on a farm in small-town Nova Scotia.
The writing had a very cinematic quality, which makes sense given that the author is also a screenwriter. That said, I did find the pacing a bit slow, and I didn’t love the frequent perspective shifts in this multi-POV novel.
I’m glad I chose to tandem read this with the audiobook—the narration was excellent and helped hold my attention more than reading the physical copy alone. I’m also curious to one day watch the film this book is based on, to see if I prefer that version of the story.
Overall, this was an empowering and emotional story about a trans woman, a family’s grief, and their life on a farm in small-town Nova Scotia.
December 18, 2023
This novel addresses an important topic in an interesting way: what would it be like for a trans-woman coming back to her estranged family and small town after five years? Thompson is very sympathetic to diversity, and populates the novel with diverse characters. I found it to be a bit overwritten, with every emotion described, not trusting that the reader will know what the characters are feeling. I hated the villain and the things he did, as Thompson imbues him with all of society’s hate and intolerance. I did enjoy the descriptions of rural Nova Scotia, I felt like I was there. So a mix for me, but I would recommend it as the topic is so important.
August 8, 2024
This book is an educated and thought-out depiction of loss and growth. My “issues” with it may just be personal style choices, but nonetheless I did enjoy the story. I found the writing style confusing at points and feel it may have been better received by me as an audiobook. I found myself confused or annoyed sometimes and which words required emphasis and that sort of thing. I also felt that the naming of each chapter was redundant as it didn’t seem to have a heavy impact on the focus of each chapter and felt more like a suggestion than a hard rule. In any case, this was a good book and the imagery and characters were wonderful.
April 5, 2024
Wow. An expansive, generous, nuanced, multi-voiced portrait of a family--and a small town--dealing with grief and with an unexpected revelation that challenges them to be their best. Beautiful, kind, compassionate, and ultimately life-affirming, letting us all know, we can do this. The writing is lyrical and poetic, especially in the sections from the point of view of the recently departed. ROAR will be of particular interest for those with a trans loved one, but I recommend it highly for every one of us sharing this planet.
January 30, 2024
A positive story of advocacy, being true to who you are and the strength of family. A multi-perspective read that shares the impact of what a family has lost, and found. Shelley Thompson's experience as a screenwriter shapes the telling as the narrative unfolds scene by scene. Anyone whose life is or has been touched by the experience of being 'different' - especially in a small town setting - will find promise here.
July 12, 2025
Very well done! I have not seen the movie and have not had the hardship of struggling with identity however now many who have. I believe Shelley Thompson does a fabulous job talking about the misunderstandings that prevail and the ignorance of others. Just being different in a rural community and learning to accept everyone for who they are and not labeling. Would have love to have known Miranda in real life. She definitely was an inspiration to her entire community
January 25, 2024
I believe this book should be in every middle and high school library in our country.
It's written from the heart and deals with issues that can be devastating to many children and adults.
The book is believable and takes into consideration all the family members, and some friends - their feelings, doubts, shame, confusion and untimately their love.
It's written from the heart and deals with issues that can be devastating to many children and adults.
The book is believable and takes into consideration all the family members, and some friends - their feelings, doubts, shame, confusion and untimately their love.
March 14, 2024
Such a 'fun' and emotional book to read!! All emotional bases covered..just a wonderful and uplifting story.
I am looking forward to watching the movie now (Dawn, Her Dad and The Tractor). My brother has been keeping it for us to watch together, with our own little diverse community.
Thank you so much Shelley Thompson..for your wonderful generosity and insights.
I am looking forward to watching the movie now (Dawn, Her Dad and The Tractor). My brother has been keeping it for us to watch together, with our own little diverse community.
Thank you so much Shelley Thompson..for your wonderful generosity and insights.
February 1, 2024
Wow! Words escape me besides - pure magic! This book makes your heart sing and will definitely being a tear - or many! - to you eyes.
Highly recommended read. Indeed, compulsory read.
Too bad I can only score it a ‘5’... it deserves more.
Highly recommended read. Indeed, compulsory read.
Too bad I can only score it a ‘5’... it deserves more.
February 13, 2024
This book hit me with all of the feelings, but most of all, love.
The relentless bond and deep love the family has for each other while dealing with grief, loss and change makes them one of my favourite families.
The relentless bond and deep love the family has for each other while dealing with grief, loss and change makes them one of my favourite families.
November 12, 2025
This book contains amazing, evocative writing that flows effortlessly, with characters who are nuanced, complex and totally believable. Her sense of place is poetic. It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s first novel!
November 18, 2023
Touching, deeply human, and a wonderful read. Beautifully crafted, tender and thought-provoking, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews