Homosexuality

Molina’s homosexuality is an important feature of the relationship between the two men, not only because they eventually become lovers, but also because his different preferences clearly create misunderstandings between him and Valentin on many levels other than their sexuality. Valentin is unable to understand Molina’s desire to be subservient to a man, just as Molina cannot comprehend Valentin’s insistence that all people are equal, regardless of their sexual preference or gender.

The lengthy footnotes that occur throughout the novel all focus, except for one, on the nature of homosexuality and different theories as to how it is created in individuals and societies, as well as its impact on both a small and large scale. Presented in an impartial, objective manner, the footnotes do not try to skew the reader toward one side or another; rather, both sides are fairly represented, and the reader is...