Book: A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen

I recently read the old best seller ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ - a great title. It tells the story of a Big Issue seller who befriends a cat and how it changes his life. I spotted it in a charity shop, having heard of probably due to my work in and interest in the homeless arena.

While I found the book engaging, I was put off early by the author's describing everyone's race if they weren’t white, in that old people, right-wing way.

The rich Middle Eastern-looking bloke

The group of black lads

The West Indian lady

There were also instances of sexism and judgmental attitudes that made me uncomfortable.

A policeman rather than a police officer. And then having a go at Staffordshire bull terriers who do nothing but love their owners.

Arseholes always have Staffs

Despite these issues, I tried to understand the reasons behind the main character's life choices, such as living on the streets instead of reaching out to family. His parents are divorced and living on opposite sides of the world, one in the UK, so there are at least two options.

The author's past experiences with the law and his transition to busking were also highlighted in the story. After being arrested in the past for shoplifting, the author turns to busking which was described as ‘better because it was legal’.

I think not paying your taxes is still illegal.

More racism to follow in assuming Stylist magazine workers couldn't understand English when they refused to move 20 feet away from him when he asked; they were probably just thinking he was arrogant to think he deserved the space more.

{spoiler alert]

So all the racism started to make sense towards the end when we learn of the privileged upbringing. This comes through loud and clear when the author describes his own flat in Tottenham, London as insignificant. (In one of the most expensive cities in the world that my well above average salary cannot afford).

I don’t know anyone who can afford to live in London on their own who earns maybe 10 times a Big Issue seller's earnings.

Given that his mum was around and worried about his whereabouts and they had wealthy family members, I will still look at a street person asking me for cash and wonder if they have family they can contact.

Despite these concerns, I appreciated the message about the positive impact of caring for another being, like Bob the cat, in overcoming personal struggles such as drug addiction. However, I still found myself reflecting on the support systems available to those in need and the complexity of homelessness.

Overall, the book had its merits, but it left me with lingering questions about the portrayal of homelessness and the author's own background.

A quick read completed entirely on planes and trains on the Norway trip.