How Late it Was, How Late by James Kelman. Summary of the book.

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How Late it Was, How Late by James Kelman

How Late it Was, How Late is a 1994 novel by James Kelman, a Scottish writer. It tells the story of Sammy, a working-class Glaswegian man who wakes up one morning after a heavy drinking session to find himself blind and in the middle of a Kafkaesque nightmare. Sammy is thrown into a world of confusion and violence as he faces up to the challenges of navigating a world he cannot see. In his struggles to come to terms with his disability, Sammy also discovers the meaning of freedom and the power of resilience.

The novel presents a vivid and realistic picture of working-class life in Scotland, as well as themes of disability and alienation. Through Sammy’s experience of a seemingly chaotic world, Kelman paints a picture of a society in which people are often powerless and vulnerable. The novel has been celebrated for its honest portrayal of a less privileged life and its exploration of themes of justice, freedom and human resilience.

Main Characters

  • Sammy – protagonist, a Glaswegian man who loses his sight
  • Maisie – Sammy’s wife
  • Walter – Maisie’s father
  • Dr. Gray – the doctor who is treating Sammy
  • Mr. Prentice – an advocate for the disabled
  • The Chief Inspector – an intimidating police officer

Plot Summary

The novel begins with Sammy waking up in a strange bed in an unfamiliar room. He soon realizes that he is blind and is unable to remember what happened to him the previous night. He is taken to the hospital, where he discovers that he has been in a coma for several days. After leaving the hospital, Sammy is determined to reclaim his life and to find out what happened to him. He visits the police station in an attempt to discover why he was attacked, but is met with hostility and indifference. Sammy is also determined to find out why he was denied benefits, despite his disability.

Sammy eventually discovers that the Chief Inspector was involved in a cover-up of a police brutality incident, and this is why Sammy was denied benefits. Sammy also discovers that the incident that left him blind was the result of a racist attack. Despite the hostility and violence he has faced, Sammy is determined to take control of his life and to fight for justice. With help from his wife Maisie, his father-in-law Walter, and the advocate Mr. Prentice, Sammy finally is successful in his fight against the system.

Main Teachings

The novel is a powerful exploration of the themes of justice, freedom, and resilience. It highlights the importance of standing up for yourself and the power of resilience in the face of hardship and injustice. The novel also explores the damaging effects of racism and how it can lead to violence and oppression. The novel celebrates the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity and shows that justice is attainable even in the darkest of times.

Interesting Facts

  • The novel is considered to be one of the most important works of contemporary Scottish literature.
  • Kelman won the Booker Prize for Fiction in 1994 for this novel.
  • The novel was adapted for the stage in 1998, produced by the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh.
  • The novel has been translated into several languages, including French, German, and Spanish.

FAQs

What is the novel How Late it Was, How Late about?

The novel is about Sammy, a Glaswegian man who wakes up one morning after a drinking session to find himself blind. The novel follows Sammy as he navigates a world he cannot see, and his struggles to come to terms with his disability. The novel presents a vivid and realistic picture of working-class life in Scotland, and explores themes of disability and alienation.

Who wrote the novel How Late it Was, How Late?

The novel was written by James Kelman, a Scottish writer.

What awards did the novel How Late it Was, How Late win?

The novel won the Booker Prize for Fiction in 1994.

Has the novel How Late it Was, How Late been adapted for the stage?

Yes, the novel was adapted for the stage in 1998, produced by the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh.

Has the novel How Late it Was, How Late been translated into other languages?

Yes, the novel has been translated into several languages, including French, German, and Spanish.

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