Some fan mail arrives for Mister Bob.
“I just wanted to pass on my thanks,” they write, “to Mister Bob for bringing Stendhal’s Scarlet and Black to my attention.”
To which I respond: “you’re very welcome. I will pass your message on to Mister Bob.”
I mean, he’s dead in 2024. But thanks to the magic of books, I have access to him through time.
Which is true.
*
Another recent mention of Mister Bob in real life.
Friend J is going to Portobello. “Look out for Mister Bob,” I say.
“Oh yeah,” he says, “I’m more concerned that I’ll be mistaken for him.”
*
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, here’s the book you need to buy.