I'm not sure if this is a realistic or idealistic portrayal of gay life. Our protagonist, Will, certainly seems like a fantasy of who some people might like to be, privileged, monied, beautiful and irresistible with the self confidence to match.It is a window into another way of life, we wouldn't want to be in his world but it is a fascinating one. We have sympathy with Will but it's friend that we actually like, the friendship is like a verification of Will for the reader. A chance encounter sets off a chain of events which begin to shake his confidence when his safety, status and family are challenged.
Strange in terms of time, it feels like it is taking place in the 30's with the talk of the aristocracy and dining at the club, strange jolts in the moments where it is clear we're actually in the 1980's.
