Nobby's Diary

by I.R. Walker

London. Newspapers are changing.New technology and increased competition are transforming the industry. Metropolitan newspapers are moving from Fleet Street's narrow alleyways to modern industrial complexes on the edge of town. For Nobby and his down-and-out friends, this is a real threat. Newspapers mean warmth and life. At night, as the next day's editions are printed, hot air is vented out onto the side streets from the rolling presses, providing a vital refuge from the freezing temperatures for those who call the streets home. Who knows more about what happens on the street--vagrants or journalists? When does crusading journalism become gutter press? Who then, better to publish a newspaper than a group of down-and outs? Seen through the eyes of Spencer--a small boy whose assistance is required if the venture is to succeed--Nobby's Diary is a cautionary tale, focusing on trust, power and influence. Oh... and fake news."

147 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2019

Reviews

[Samantha Young · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just don't know what to say about this book. The write up sounded really interesting but it was far too unrealistic for me, some pretty ridiculous storylines. Not for me, sorry 🤷

[John Collier]

Easy reading

The book was easy reading I was able to pick the book up and just carry on with the story where I had left of.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was asked by Lovereading,co.uk to review this book.

I am well aware of homeless people in Britain and donate to Shelter as you can see the plight of homelessness has gone on too long. I have come across book such as a Street Cat Named Bob which concerned homeless people but to be honest I am not sure just how many are out there.

London 35 years ago the newspaper industry is changing and moving out of the famous Fleet Street area. Tradition is ending, but what about the people who relied on the warmth of the buildings at night as the papers rolled of the press - hive of activity and somewhere to call home on those long cold nights.

The story centres around Nobby and old homeless man who has relied on this area with his friends and it was home.

Spencer a boy finds Nobby in his shed and the two become friends next Spencer then introduces Nobby to his friends -as Spencer's father works in the newspaper industry thus begins a plight of the homeless people - this is not just a 21st century problem.

this is about friendship and friendship in unusual circumstances and not writing this man off as a tramp or vagrant and there are aspects that are slightly off the wall - even 35 years go when Spencer is missing from his family for a number of days -with strangers - but saying that it is a powerful piece of writing.

These people know the area and with help they go on to help Nobby write articles in a newspaper.

Powerful story of trust, friendship bonded in unusual circumstances and times where the reader will laugh - a really good read.

[Manjiri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spencer, a 10-year-old, and Nobby become fast friends after he finds the latter in his shed one day. In their conversation, Nobby honestly explains his situation to Spencer and introduces the kid to his friends.

Nobby is a senile homeless man who has lived in the alleyways along with his friends. These people, when the temperature dropped, have depended on the warmth which the newspaper printing machines generated when the paper went for printing. However, presently, these newspaper businesses are migrating from Fleet Street to the modern industrial complexes. This raises a major survival problem for homeless people. Nobby and his friends soon make a plan which requires Spencer's help, since his father works for the newspaper company.

I loved how Spencer and Nobby's friendship kept developing and getting stronger progressively. Nobby, who doesn't know how to write in English, is helped by Spencer to fulfil his dreams of becoming a journalist. Through Nobby, Spencer got introduced to this fascinating new world of homeless people who were adventurous and fun. In this journey, Nobby and Co. were soon discovered by the cops who kept chasing them. I thoroughly enjoyed Kipper's 'stinky' ways to escape the police whenever the situation required it. With that being said, there were places when the story, while being humorous, was also slightly unrealistic. Like, Spencer staying out of the house for days altogether without his folks having an idea about it, for the longest time. Or, Spencer's dad being okay after realising his son is spending time with a bunch of strangers. Or, Spencer (who is just a child) helping Nobby write journalistic pieces for the newspaper.

These were just small concerns, but this story did make me laugh. Every character was colourful and had their distinct personality which made Nobby's Diary a thoroughly entertaining read. If you are looking for a light read, don't hesitate to give this one a shot.