51 pages 1 hour read

James Kelman

How Late It Was, How Late

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

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 this

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.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes
Values/Ideas: Literature
Society: Class
Identity: Disability
Genre
Mystery / Crime Fiction
British Literature
Modern Classic Fiction
Topics
History: World