What is the theme in City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende?

Coming of age is a major theme in the story. Alex ages only a few weeks over the course of the story, but he matures a great deal, making the coming of age theme important in this story. Early in the story, Alex becomes very angry when his father tells him that he has to spend a few weeks with Kate. He says that he is fifteen and argues that his age means his father should have consulted him rather than making decisions for him.