The Muffin Man by Andre Rostant
The underbelly of Londons Soho has not seen much change in the last century. The disadvantaged face the brunt of societys corruption, and this is becoming more common in the current climate of increasing fascism. Rostants frank exploration into the lives of those at the heart of bohemian Soho sheds much needed light onto the most pressing issues in society today and the desperate need for change. The honest depiction of the lives of street beggars and bag ladies highlights the side of London that readers dont often see and the protagonist, a Big Issue vendor who suffers delusions and commits suicide, is at the heart of the novel. A novella that examines and contests commonly accepted narratives of exclusion, gender, sexuality and mental health. This is a transgressive piece of work that challenges cultural and religious hypocrisy, encouraging readers to reflect on their own views and perceptions, in particular surrounding poverty and homelessness, and to consider the ways in which they can incite change.