Once in a while I succumb to the urge to read a "hot" gay book, but am often disappointed in newer books that feature a lot of over-the-top sex but little character development or narrative. Then I pick up a book like this and get carried away by the story (this one has practically no sex in it). Vidal's tale of a man struggling with being attracted to other men, yet not fitting the 1940's stereotype of the limp-wristed queen, is compelling. It follows this character through a 7 or 8 year period and other characters drift in and out of the story as he matures and accepts his own nature. Recommended unless you're strictly looking for hot over-the-top sex.