It was no exaggeration to say that Bob had saved my life.
-- James Bowen (Prologue)

Importance: Throughout his evening at the publisher's Christmas party, Bowen notes how out of place he feels. By way of contrast, his cat, Bob, seems perfectly comfortable. Watching the way that the other partygoers interact with Bob inspires Bowen to reflect on his relationship with Bob. The above line marks the start of Bowen's reflective passage. It also signals a shift into the past, as Bowen recounts the day he met Bob and the start of their inseparable companionship. The way in which Bowen attributes his life changes to his cat also indicates the profundity of their relationship, and the ways in which Bowen is able to express gratitude to others.

It hadn't been so long ago that I had been in exactly the same boat.
-- James Bowen (Prologue)

Importance: After his disorienting and overwhelming evening at the publisher's Christmas party, Bowen exits...