The Underdog

Each of these short stories has an underdog, a character who is able to outsmart those who have more power and money. The underdog in “Homecoming” is Mack, a lawyer who has decided he needs to return to the family he abandoned and make amends. Cody is the underdog in “Strawberry Moon.” Even though he ultimately dies for a crime he did not commit, he frustrates the leaders in the penal system with his ability to file and win lawsuits for better treatment for inmates. Finally, Diantha, a character in “Sparring Partners” is the underdog as she seeks revenge for being used as a pawn by the powerful Malloy family.

Mack, in “Homecoming,” qualifies as an underdog because he avoids arrest even though the rich and powerful Herman alerts both the local and federal authorities to Mack’s crimes. When Harry Rex and Jake meet...