At the time being, it may be harder than ever to step into the universe of Bob the famous cat and his owner, James Bowen. And yet, whether you are a newcomer or not, you cannot help but pay extra attention to the little ginger cat – after his heart-breaking death this year, in June. But we should not dwell on that too much, other elements are meant to be emphasized.
For those who are not familiar with the main story, James Bowen came across Bob back in 2007, when he was a recovering drug addict (on a methadone withdrawal). It can be imagined how unpleasant it is to relive some bad decisions one would rather forget. Surely, James’ books do not share an overall grim atmosphere. However, each time he stops over a hardship from his childhood and teenage years, thoughts may come to a halt, with feelings taking over, naturally. There may only be an incessant echo in your mind, chiefly asking what James has done in order to deserve such struggles. But then again, why is it that we all struggle continuously? This is what James tries to suggest among the lines: you may be surrounded by negligent people, scoundrels on the streets, tempting you to lose control over yourself and unconsciously sign up for the short-term gain, long-term pain – but amid all these, there is always a second chance handed over one way or another. James’ second chance came in the form of Bob.
The mutual rescue is what makes this entire journey memorable. Bob as an injured stray cat is given plenty of care in no time. Consequently, this protection enables James to be more responsible and have at least a reason worth living and fighting for. There may be a pleonasm here, for life equals battle. It is the persistent battle of earning money, surviving in an occasionally unfair world… and finding small joys that keep you going. Initially, James is the ill-fated street musician, often feeling invisible and lost among passers-by. For that reason on its own, Bob is to be seen, both literally and figuratively, as an orange fluff transmitting light and luring in random people, with either good or bad intentions. This is how he is represented in the first 3 books, A Street Cat Named Bob, The World According to Bob and A Gift from Bob. James can even take on the modest job of selling The Big Issue, a street newspaper, and prove to himself he is capable of more, step by step. Every single chapter keeps you on the edge: in a realistic manner, there are people who fall in love with Bob and end up approaching James easily – and there are also others who have outbursts of anger and jealousy (of James’ success with the public), and shamelessly accuse him of false wrongdoings. It can be deemed as a fine touch: no matter what background we have, some of our actions can have the same consequences – this ultimately helps James become a relatable person.
It is impossible not to find yourself devoted to these two partners, after reading the books and perhaps watching YouTube videos with James busking and Bob maintaining composure and a loving gaze alongside him. As a follow-up, the 2016 movie, A Street Cat Named Bob, tracks James’ steady transition from a heroin addict to someone with a much clearer vision. In the books, James acknowledges how past faults arise in certain moments and have some sort of an impact in the present. The key point is compensation through a strong wish to reshape your identity – and finally take action. In the movie, James (Luke Treadaway) develops gradually and there are no references to his childhood, early conflicts with his parents, how he has started dealing with unsolved problems. It is a direct sign that the film is mostly made for an audience already aware of some crucial details. Nevertheless, it still can be a suitable introduction to how one pet teaches you stability and perseverance. Plus, thanks to the inventive camera work, we get to actually see the world according to Bob, with slightly distorted faces, but lucid perspectives upon diverse personalities. The ginger cat never speaks, but needless to say, he gets his message across better than most people. As expected, James carries conversations with him and Bob repeatedly has questions “projected” onto him – that is, James pictures his little friend examining his choices (“why are you doing this, mate?” type of questions). Sometimes it would help to view Bob as a portion of James’ consciousness, scolding any surge of irritation, any impulse to start unnecessary fights with people who treat him badly.
Maybe that is far-fetched, anyway. The straightforward description of Bob is written by James himself, in The World According to Bob: “He is my companion, my best friend, my teacher and my soul mate. And he will remain all of these things. Always.” (284) It may as well be the mantra of the entire book series and the movie, with its culmination in The Little Book of Bob, a recent read, similarly heart-breaking and heart-warming. It is filled with tips which you stumble upon on a daily basis and would normally eyeroll at them, because of their excessive circulation on the internet. These brief lessons, gathered over the course of more than 10 years, are linked to Bob’s own lifestyle, with specific references to his attitudes (as a fresh take on writing guidelines or “self-help” books). As a cat owner, you will detect them shortly, although chances are you will also be looking differently at your small bundle of fur from now on. You will notice them thinking carefully and then not hesitating when jumping to action. You will spot them marvelled by various wonders from outside – or the very inside of your house. You will learn to fret less, have fewer expectations and be increasingly curious. Most importantly (ideally even), Bob will get stuck at the back of your head and remind you to judge less, for that is the best indirect tip we can all receive from cats – or animals, in a broader sense.
It is difficult to suddenly come to terms with the fact that we live in a world without Bob. The least we could do is see this world with his eyes. While working on this post, Charles Bukowski’s poem my cats popped up on my phone, saving me from ending all of this (unintentionally) on a dispiriting note: “when I am feeling low all I have to do is watch my cats and my courage returns. I study these creatures. they are my teachers.” A belief we should contradict is that cats are useless teachers, with systems “humans just can’t understand” (Bukowski). Well, James did. The second chance in your 9th life is worth a shot.
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