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A review by polyreader
Late in the Day by Tessa Hadley
5.0
Wow, this book took me completely by surprise. I was speed browsing the library shelves one day, with one eye on my toddler running rampant, and I stumbled upon this stunning cover. I’d never read any Hadley before, and I don’t recall hearing about her either.. which seems unlikely given a) how incredible she is and b) how many books she’s released?!
Late in the Day is a story about two couples who have been closely involved in one another’s lives since their early 20’s. The narrative begins with an unexpected death which sends them into a spiral of grief, each grappling with the loss in their own way.
The lengthy history between each of the characters begins to bring complexities and disruption to their bonds, and what ensues is a painfully realistic example of life - an unexpected turn of events.
Humans are complicated. That’s why we love the work of novelists who hone in on the humanity of their characters, right? I’m thinking particularly of Sally Rooney, Helen Garner, Maggie O’Farrell, Georgia Blain, Sarah Moss. With Hadley’s incredible combo of restraint and flow, she crafts a story of beauty with characters you will remember.
I loved the ending, and the meaning I derived from it, though I don’t think I can say much here without spoiling the whole thing so I’ll leave it at that. Go in blind, like I did, and if you’re a fan of adult literary drama... I think you’ll enjoy it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Late in the Day is a story about two couples who have been closely involved in one another’s lives since their early 20’s. The narrative begins with an unexpected death which sends them into a spiral of grief, each grappling with the loss in their own way.
The lengthy history between each of the characters begins to bring complexities and disruption to their bonds, and what ensues is a painfully realistic example of life - an unexpected turn of events.
Humans are complicated. That’s why we love the work of novelists who hone in on the humanity of their characters, right? I’m thinking particularly of Sally Rooney, Helen Garner, Maggie O’Farrell, Georgia Blain, Sarah Moss. With Hadley’s incredible combo of restraint and flow, she crafts a story of beauty with characters you will remember.
I loved the ending, and the meaning I derived from it, though I don’t think I can say much here without spoiling the whole thing so I’ll leave it at that. Go in blind, like I did, and if you’re a fan of adult literary drama... I think you’ll enjoy it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️