Cal's story is one of coming of age, of learning about himself, and going through childhood, adolescence, and on to adulthood. Even though he is a hermaphrodite, the story is ultimately relatable because most adolescents feel abnormal and monster-like at some time while growing up. Ultimately, we all have to learn to accept ourselves as we are. Although at the end of the book, it seems that Cal has yet to become totally comfortable with who he is and his physical differences, the reader is left with the feeling that he is on the path to self-acceptance.
The other characters in the story also come of age as a part of the story. Desdemona and Lefty, Cal's grandparents, come of age as immigrants to America where they have to find away to support themselves.....
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