What is the theme in The Haj by Leon Uris?

One of the underlying themes of the book is vying for the father's attention and trust. This is very obvious in Ishmael. In Arab culture, the young boy spends his early years with the women and is dressed in girl's clothing. It is okay for the father to be affectionate with them then. But one the boy "leaves the kitchen," the affection of the father stops.