War

War is a theme that is both overt and hidden. Although the most obvious theme is war between nations, The Ghost Road also details war between individuals and war within oneself. The book is written against a background of the end of World War I in 1918, but it is also filled with flashbacks to a pre-World War I time on a South Pacific island. While the Melanesian island of Eddystone isn't caught up in the world's woes, it constantly fights for its own existence.

The war between individuals is seen both in present day and in flashback. Billy Prior is fighting with the military so he can be sent back to the Front in France for a fourth tour of duty. Dr. Rivers battles his patients and his memories. On the world stage, the British are assisting the French to fight the Germans.

Internal wars are presented in...