A review by joeyoudan
How Late It Was, How Late by James Kelman

2.5

Such an interesting book. Not bad, necessarily… I’ve not read a book before where I’ve been so impressed with the form, whilst being so disappointed in the narrative. That’s the crux of the issue- the book feels like an experiment conducted by Kelman. The style is, for me, perfect- I have not read a book with the stream of consciousness done so well. But, it doesn’t go anywhere with it, I don’t think it takes it anywhere interesting. 

How is the solution to Sammy’s problems going to London? Why bother introducing Ally? Why bother introducing Peter? The police investigation, we never hear the end of. We never find out what happens to Helen.

Maybe that’s intentional, but… the book ultimately feels just frustrating. Technically, I think it’s fantastic, but sadly lacking in a supporting narrative framework to take the experiential prose to another level.