A review by afi_whatafireads
So Late In The Day by Claire Keegan

reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Is it bad that I finished this in less than 30 minutes, but the IMPACT that the story gave me? Damn. I expect nothing less from Claire Keegan.

Reading this short novella (best described) that is under 50 pages reminded me a lot of the feelings that I have when I'm reading Sally Rooney. Its not exactly the same per say, but I love how mundane it is. How its just a story of an everyday life of a man who is going through his day and reminiscing what had happened in his life. There's something about Keegan's writing that felt personal in some sense. Her words flows through and what seemed like a simple plot had been uplifted in highlighting more than just the life of this man

The way Keegan weaves in the main theme of the story which is the misoginy that has been ingrained in the society that it had lead to our main character to not realize his mistakes; is parallel in most realities that a lot of people has to live with.


“You know what is at the heart of misogyny? When bit comes down to it?’
‘It’s simply about not giving…whether it’s not giving us the vote or not giving help with the dishes—it’s all clitched to the same wagon.’


Whilst some might sympathize with Cathal, our main character with his misfortunes, Keegan shows in some ways, where something that has been so normalized, and when it finally gets called out and questioned, acceptance to such notions won't be a simple task. In fact, Keegan lets us in to the main MC's thoughts and minds, where we feel that his fiancee was in the wrong, but when another perspective was offered; it was at best his way of thinking that had led to what is happening to him. We agree that in this state of thinking, women were simply asked to accept what the situation is rather than questioning wether any of the actions were right or wrong.


‘At least half of men your age just want us to shut up and give you what you want, that you’re spoiled and become contemptible when things don’t go your way.’


Funny how a book so thin can impact me so much. I love the idyllic setting that Keegan had written on Dublin. It really felt like I was there with Cathal going about his day. There is something about her writing that felt calming and heart piercing. Such a simple book and yet, filled with so many heart.

4.75🌟 for this gem!

Thank you to Times Reads for gifting me this gem. I love it so much.