Here's why:
* Internal Conflict: The story focuses on the internal struggles of the protagonist, Dicey Tillerman. Her main conflict is with herself, her past trauma, and her deep-seated fear of being abandoned.
* Circumstances: The hardships faced by Dicey and her siblings stem from difficult circumstances: their mother's death, their father's absence, and the foster system's inadequacies. While these situations are difficult, they aren't driven by an evil, malicious force.
* Complex Characters: Even the seemingly "bad" characters in the story, like the mean foster mother or the strict social worker, are presented with some level of understanding. They are not inherently evil, but rather products of their own circumstances and perspectives.
Therefore, instead of a singular antagonist, the true "enemy" in "Homecoming" is the complex and challenging reality that Dicey and her siblings must navigate. It's a story about resilience in the face of adversity, not a battle against a single villain.