Who’s Crazy?

I hope no one who glances at the titles of these books will think it is impertinent, or frivolous, to consider them together. Reba Lee was the illegitimate daughter of a white man and a woman with half Negro blood. Donald MacKenzie was a professional burglar and confidence man. Obviously, though both have had experiences as Outsiders, Miss Lee’s was unchosen. She wanted nothing so much as to belong. Whereas MacKenzie not only deliberately played wolf to the herd, but at the end of his book was free to reform and become an Insider.

Still, what makes their respective stories more than just engrossing reading, is the image in each of a lonely, hunted, resourceful, un self-pitying “I,” using all its wits to keep the pack at bay.

I hope no one who glances at the titles of these books will think it is impertinent, or frivolous, to consider them together. Reba Lee was the illegitimate daughter of a white man and a woman with half Negro blood. Donald MacKenzie was a professional burglar and confidence man. Obviously, though both have had experiences as Outsiders, Miss Lee’s was unchosen. She wanted nothing so much as to belong. Whereas MacKenzie not only deliberately played wolf to the herd, but at the end of his book was free to reform and become an Insider.

Still, what makes their respective stories more than just engrossing reading, is the image in each of a lonely, hunted, resourceful, un self-pitying “I,” using all its wits to keep the pack at bay.