How Late It Was, How Late : Book Review

"How Late It Was, How Late" is an engrossing and gritty novel penned by the esteemed author James Kelman. This captivating story takes place in Glasgow and centers around Sammy, a working-class man who wakes up one day blind after an altercation with the police. Bereft of his memory and grappling with his newfound disability, Sammy must navigate not only the challenges of his situation but also the oppressive social and political climate of 1990s Scotland.

Kelman's writing style is marked by its rawness and authenticity, allowing readers an intimate peek into the inner thoughts and experiences of the protagonist. Through Sammy's internal monologue, Kelman skillfully explores themes of identity, power dynamics, and discrimination. He adeptly portrays the frustration and isolation endured by those marginalized by society, capturing the very essence of working-class life in Glasgow.

Deeply rooted in the social and political issues that defined 1990s Scotland, the novel tackles subjects such as police brutality, poverty, and the struggles faced by the working class. Kelman's keen observations and honest portrayal of these realities add layers of depth and complexity to the narrative, inviting readers to confront the systemic injustices that continue to persist in our society.

Despite the weightiness of the subject matter, Kelman masterfully injects moments of dark humor and wit throughout the story, offering a welcome respite from the overall somber tone. Sammy's sharp and often cynical sense of humor not only serves as an escape from the bleakness of his circumstances but also adds depth to his character, making him relatable and genuine.

"How Late It Was, How Late" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the multifaceted complexities of life on the fringes of society. Kelman's unflinching portrayal of Glasgow's working class, coupled with his raw writing style, makes this book a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the social and political realities of 1990s Scotland in a genuine and evocative manner.

What are readers saying?

James Kelman's novel "How Late It Was, How Late" has garnered mixed reviews for its exploration of disability, poverty, and bureaucracy through the character of Sammy. Many readers praised Kelman's raw and gritty writing style, which effectively depicted the harsh realities of Sammy's life. The authentic language and portrayal of the characters resonated with readers, forging a strong emotional connection to Sammy and making his voice memorable and compelling.

However, some reviewers found the novel's language difficult to follow due to its heavy use of Scottish dialect and slang. This created a challenge for readers to fully comprehend and engage with the story. Additionally, the narrative style of stream-of-consciousness was seen as confusing and hard to follow by a few readers.

The exploration of themes such as disability and poverty received positive feedback from many readers, who appreciated Kelman's illumination of the struggles faced by marginalized individuals. The unflinching portrayal of bureaucratic systems that perpetuate oppression added depth and relevance to the story, according to these readers.

On the other hand, there were reviewers who felt that the novel's focus on social issues overshadowed the development of the plot and characters. They argued that the book lacked a clear narrative arc, making it difficult to connect with Sammy's journey. Consequently, this led to a less enjoyable reading experience for some.

In summary, "How Late It Was, How Late" by James Kelman has sparked strong and divided opinions among readers. While some laud the rawness and authenticity of the writing, others found it challenging to follow. Similarly, while many appreciate the exploration of important social themes, others felt that it hindered the development of the plot and characters.

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