Unfairness of Life

The main theme of this novel focuses on the parallels between Pat Arbuckle and Jack Burdette. Where Pat Arbuckle has a caring mother and father, Jack has an alcoholic father who seems only interested in his next drink and a mother who is devoted to the point of distraction to her faith. Where Pat Arbuckle studies hard and focuses on his responsibilities, Jack Burdette has a good time, telling stories of his time in the Army, dancing with pretty girls, and using Wanda Jo Evans until something better comes along. In the end, both lose their families. Pat loses his family through divorce and death, Jack loses them through his own desertion. However, Jack seems to win in the end despite his cruelties and selfishness.

Jack steals money from his employer, disappearing for eight years with one hundred and fifty thousand dollars of the grain elevator...