A major theme of the book, Prior's intense and indiscriminate bisexuality, is effectively contrasted with Rivers's tepid asexuality and Sassoon's pure homosexuality. Greater fictional scope also permits a deeper treatment of the psychological, political and professional life of the central character, Billy Prior.
The book explores the contrasting sexual orientations of its characters: Prior's intense bisexuality versus Rivers's tepid asexuality and Sassoon's pure homosexuality. The novel also delves deeper into the lives of the central character, Billy Prior, exploring his psychological, political, and professional experiences.