How Late It Was, How Late - James Kelman

Sammy’s had a hoofing. And it was the polis that did it too. He’d been a wee bit naughty because of the juice and they’d given him a seeing to, a right braying! They’d kicked the living sight out of him. And so here he is, blind. He aches all over, he’s lost his shoes and his recollection of the event is at best non-existent. And then he’s turned out onto the street and “try to be a good lad.” We follow him out to watch his progress. Mr Kelman, bless him helps us along. He knows Sammy’s type. He’s lived around them for years and he knows how they think, how they feel and the lives they live. He ...  Read the complete review

An epic journey through a wasteland of Glasgow tenements and benefit offices this book does not sound like an easy nor inviting read. But once the prose becomes digestable (which is quite quickly given its unrelenting phonetically rendered profanity) the poignant story of a chancer laid low is enthralling and moving. With rivals such as Irvine to compete with and linguistic experimentation aside this is a far more substantial work than the grindingly faux-revolting excesses of 'Trainspotting' and much more likely to repay the effort of its reading. ...  Read the complete review