This theme is handled with great sensitivity. We the reader can feel for the boy as he travels down this rocky road of growing up. His father is a distant person, so is his mother, so the young lad is quite isolated. He is with his family, but he is not part of it. One can sense his quandry at knowing that he does not quite fit in with his family's concept of a proper son. For those who have read the later novels by White, this isolation shows its early roots.
There are some graphic yet tender sex scenes. The boy is amazed to discover that a younger lad looks up to him, and is willing and eager to serve him sexually. They pass a very pleasant, yet transient, few weeks at the summer cottage by the lake. Each boy is able to explore and learn his sexuality. Yet there is little affection, and no love.
The themes of this novel are complex, and would make good study subjects. This novel ought to be one of the texts used in teaching English Literature. No doubt homophobia would prevent this. But many a teenager would benefit from exposure to this story, if only to learn that they are not alone. That other boys have travelled, survived, and even enjoyed this journey of sexual discovery.
