So Late in the Day

From the extraordinary mind of Claire Keegan, So Late in the Day explores the quiet turmoil of Cathal, an office worker in Dublin, as he drifts into a long, introspective weekend. Following a mundane Friday, Cathal boards the bus home, his mind swirling with the remnants of a past relationship with a woman named Sabine. They could have shared a life, but he didn't seize the moment. As Cathal immerses himself in a solitary evening, accompanied only by the television and a bottle of champagne, memories of Sabine and other influential women in his life flood back, leading him to reflect on the true significance of this particular date.

Through Keegan's exquisite prose, this poignant story delves into whether a person's inability to be generous and open can destroy the potential of relationships. It raises the profound question: Is it possible to genuinely love without the act of sharing?

Hailed as a "genuine once-in-a-generation writer" by The Times, Claire Keegan's narrative mastery is evident in every line of So Late in the Day. Hilary Mantel praises, "Every word is the right word in the right place, and the effect is resonant and deeply moving." Equally impressed, Colm Tóibín notes, "Claire Keegan makes her moments real – and then she makes them matter."

Keegan's minimalist yet powerful storytelling builds an intimate connection between the reader and the characters, inviting us to ponder our own relationships and the barriers we may unknowingly erect. So Late in the Day is a testament to Keegan’s talent and her nuanced understanding of the human condition, making it a must-read for literature enthusiasts seeking a richly fulfilling narrative experience.