Waifs and Strays

" Waifs and Strays" is a collection of short stories by O. Henry that focuses on the outcasts in society, the charlatans, the humorists, and all of the other wonderful people that populate O. Henry' s universe. Teeming with anecdotal wit, humor, and satire, often verging on the tragic, the collection is a diamond in O. Henry' s treasure trove of work. In " Out of Nazareth", we come across a swindler-businessman selling false plots of land for a living, ripping off elderly couples who have put their lives in his bogus plans. In another tale, " The Red Roses of Tonia", two men compete for the heart of the eponymous heroine, bringing the tale to a tragic conclusion.It is a truly well-rounded and diverse collection, perfect for readers who enjoy the stories of Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain.