Several delicate social issues are presented in Gavin's book, including the treatment of the mentally challenged, racial inequality, and out of wedlock pregnancies.

For much of his life, Meshak endures brutality at the hands of his father who does not seem to understand, or perhaps even care, that his son has thoughts and feelings of his own. Few people look kindly on Meshak, using him as a workhorse with little regard for his well-being. At the end of the story, his own father sends him to America as a slave, hoping to be rid of him and the secrets he possesses. Similarly, attitudes towards blacks, as seen in the treatment of Toby, are equally disturbing. Toby is dressed up as a plaything, entertaining rich women at lavish parties. Treated like an object, Toby is owned by Mr. Gardiner for the amusement of others. When the young...