Hostel Hell: Homeless - a year spent with crazies, druggies, prostitutes, con men, gangsters and some really great people

by Robert Seviour, Robert Leslie

Hostel Hell, a real life story; my year of No Fixed Address spent with crooks, crazies, druggies, con men, prostitutes, streetwise survivors and a surprising number of really decent people. Previously a reasonably prosperous and successful business man, I was completely unprepared when an unwanted divorce led to the loss of my house and business, bringing on stress, depression, low self-esteem and, I'm ashamed to say, heavy drinking. But for all the feelings of frustration, inadequacy and hopelessness there were some compensations. I met a rich array of people, out-and-out crazies, druggies, smart crooks, devious prostitutes and heard some amazing stories. And to my great surprise a number of these individuals were kind, friendly and helpful. The experience changed my politics and view of the world. I wouldn't want to repeat it but am wiser for it."Robert Leslie writes autobiografically about his time of homelessness, with much wit and humour, intelligence and a good dose of irony. But also with honesty, humbleness and warmth. One can feel that the very writing helped him get through the difficult, sometimes desperate experience of homelessness. As a writer he has found his very own, personal style, mostly a pleasure to read.""I found this a very entertaining and insightful book about homelessness and hostel life.""A very thought provoking yet entertaining read."

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2019

Reviews

[Steve Parcell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an entertaining read

[ms daisy mcinnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homelessness from someone who knows what he is talking about

Homelessness I feel is one of our countries greatest shame, and it is disgusting that people are needing to live this way. People find themselves in this situation for all sorts of reasons. Robert was able to get out of it, because he drew on strength sO don't feel that he knew he had, but what about all those who don't have Robert's strength and perseverance. I fear greatly for these people who don't have these resources to fall back on. This country,and I know we are going through a national crisis right now. Which I actually think will make the situation worse as lockdown are caused a huge increase in domestic abuse cases. Until homelessness is consigned to the past can we call ourselves a civilised country. I am delighted Robert got out of his awful circumstance, and he can now enjoy his life. Well done to him for saying how bad the whole issue is. Everyone in government or even local politics needs to read this.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very thought provoking yet entertaining read

Not only does this guy have a fluent writing style but has clearly given a lot of thought to what he had experienced. He needs to get himself a column in a newspaper for his thoughts!

I hope he writes a book about his life, he hints at various points of his life throughout the book and it would be a fascinating read.

[Vicky]

Did not star rate as I found this to be really boring and hard to read as it was so boring. I didn’t like the style and didn’t find the content very interesting.

[derek burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illuminating

I found this story both interesting and informative I would recommend it to anyone. It will make you think about what is important in life.