An upper-class young man and woman, William Huntington and Jane Vanderderhoven marry in 1956 while still in college. Over the next decade they lead an ordinary life as he finishes college and law school and becomes a partner in a leading Baltimore law firm. They have two children. Almost accidentally William learns he enjoys sex with men.In a world where homosexuality is considered pathological and very hidden, he attempts to fit some gay trysts into his life when his wife is away on vacation. She arrives home early and discovers him in bed with a man and orders him to leave. Motivated by guilt he agrees to a disasterous divorce settlement and loses his job. In a situation that has no reasonable solution, he decides to run away and create a new identity. The novel tracks his life as a new man. He learns self-acceptance as ideas about homosexuality change. He is, however, still haunted by fear of discovery of his true identity which could bring disastrous consequences. Coming out as a gay man at mid-century was difficult and complex. Lack of information and many hostile, incorrect ideas caused serious difficulties not just for the gay person but for everyone connected with him. This novel tries to re-create that earlier period and then bring the characters into the present world.
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