As the premier of ‘A Streetcat Named Bob’ approaches, we, at Tabcat (the cat finder device) felt we could not let the event go unmarked. With this in mind, we thought we would share a quick review of the best-selling book that inspired the film.
“Everybody needs a break, everybody deserves that second chance. Bob and I had taken ours.”
Tonight, a very special feline will take to the big screen, a feline who has touched the hearts of millions all over the world. The feline I am speaking of is Bob. Named for the Twin Peaks character, this particular ginger Tom has become a symbol of hope and perseverance in a dark and unforgiving world. James Bowen’s autobiographical story starts off as a fairly bleak one… a recovering drug addict, living day to day in sheltered accommodation earning his money busking in the streets of London’s Covent Garden when one day an audacious stray cat enters his life. Having grown up with cats, James feels an immediate bond and takes pity on the gaunt-looking puss and resolves to nurse the cat back to health and send him on his way. But little did he know that neither of their lives would ever be the same again.
‘We are all given second chances every day of our lives. They are there for the taking, it’s just we usually don’t take them’
As Bowen jumps back and forth, recounting past experiences and childhood memories to his current adventures with Bob, he presents a fractured narrative with a huge emotional pay off all thanks to the miracle feline who saved him. But ‘A Streetcat Named Bob’ is not only about one man and his cat; it is really a treatise on the subjects of redemption, courage and strength. Throughout this triumphant tale, Bowen teaches us many things. He teaches us about prejudice, friendship and redemption. He teaches us about the harsh realities of homelessness – how just about anyone can fall through the cracks of society and be forgotten. In this book, a powerful message is delivered; a message that says no matter how far into the abyss you have fallen, no matter how dark everything may seem…you have to keep pushing on to find those second chances. And then take them.
Above all else, James Bowen teaches us salvation can be found in the most unlikely of places.
I wholeheartedly urge everyone to read this book. It will make you laugh, cry and make you want to go out a buy a ginger Tom! And if the film is only half as good as the book, it is sure to be a spectacular and life-affirming piece of art.
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