How Late It Was, How Late – James Kelman

How Late It Was, How Late is a novel by Scottish author James Kelman that was first published in 1994. The book tells the story of a man named Sammy, who wakes up one day after a heavy night of drinking to find himself blind. He also realizes that he has been arrested by the police for a crime he doesn't remember committing.The novel is written in a stream-of-consciousness style and uses Scottish dialect, which can be challenging for some readers. However, this technique also adds authenticity and depth to the story, as we get a glimpse into Sammy's inner thoughts and struggles.Through Sammy's experiences, Kelman explores themes of class, identity, and social exclusion. He also highlights the failings of the justice system and the social services in dealing with disadvantaged individuals like Sammy.Despite some criticism for its graphic language and depictions of violence, How Late It Was, How Late was highly acclaimed and won the Booker Prize in 1994. It is considered a masterpiece of contemporary Scottish literature and a testament to Kelman's unique writing style and social commentary.