51 pages • 1 hour read
How Late It Was, How Late
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Book Brief
388
Novel • Fiction
Glasgow, Scotland • 1990s
1994
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
How Late It Was, How Late by James Kelman follows the life of Sammy, a working-class Glaswegian who loses his sight after an altercation with police following a drinking spree. The novel depicts Sammy's struggle to adapt to his new reality, seek disability benefits, and navigate a hostile environment while facing social and bureaucratic challenges. The narrative employs a distinctive stream-of-consciousness style and Glaswegian dialect. The source material includes depictions of police violence, substance abuse, and ableism against people with sight loss.
Gritty
Unnerving
Challenging
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
4,818 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
James Kelman's How Late It Was, How Late garners mixed reactions. Praised for its authentic Glaswegian dialect and compelling portrayal of struggle, it immerses readers in the protagonist's psyche. However, its dense vernacular and meandering plot challenge readability. Critics acknowledge its literary merit but caution that its style may not appeal to all.
Who Should Read How Late It Was, How Late?
A reader who enjoys gritty noir, stream-of-consciousness narratives, and emotionally complex characters would appreciate James Kelman’s How Late It Was, How Late. Comparable to Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting and Samuel Beckett’s Molloy, it appeals to those inclined towards raw, authentic depictions of working-class life.
4,818 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ally
Ally
A secondary character serving as a legal representative to Sammy, Ally is knowledgeable about the legal system and assists Sammy in navigating its complexities, drawing on his own experiences as a former convict.
Peter
Peter
Sammy's son, who displays unwavering loyalty and concern for his father despite their strained relationship, highlighting the familial bonds and consequences of Sammy's past actions.
388
Novel • Fiction
Glasgow, Scotland • 1990s
1994
Adult
18+ years
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