Family
Family is a recurring theme within The Door of No Return. Initially, Alexander introduces readers to the family of the novel's main character, Kofi. Kofi lives with both of his parents and his brother, who he loves dearly—but who he loses very early on in the novel in a freak accident. It is because of his family—specifically, his brother's untimely death—that Kofi's life is forever changed. Due to circumstances mostly out of his control, Kofi is forced to embark on a journey on land and on the rivers which he so dearly loves. He goes on this journey to fight for his life, find himself, and in an attempt to try and grieve his beloved brother. Ultimately, it is family that holds Kofi together and is the source of his discomfort and discontent.
Competition
For Kofi, people in his village, and those in villages around Kofi's village, engaging in competition is a common in their way of life. Competitions between people in many situations is commonplace; people in Kofi's villages expect competition to occur frequently. In the novel, Kofi challenges an older and stronger cousin to a swimming competition to impress those around him (and his own family). Similarly, Kofi's brother is challenged to a wrestling competition—a competition which ultimately is the reason for his death. The theme of competition is used to add tension into the novel. It is also used to introduce conflict into the novel. In fact, Kofi's brother's death is the reason that he goes on the journey that makes up the bulk of the novel.
Grief
Grief is one of the most powerful themes in The Door of No Return. In the novel, Kofi must grieve two things: first, the sudden death of his beloved brother, and second, the loss of the way of life he was so accustomed to. Despite his youth, Kofi must wrestle with his profound grief in a thoughtful and mature manner—all while contending with the imminent threat on his life. Few children Kofi's age have to think about grief, let alone deal with it. It is only through his maturity and skill that he is able to come out the other end of his grief in a good place.
