875. How Late It Was, How Late

How Late It Was, How Late
James Kelman
1994
Around 390 pages

Another James Kelman novel, another story written entirely in Scottish dialect that is extremely hard to digest for outsiders. I don't think that's a bad thing in itself. Not every book has to be for everybody, and I'm sure it's exciting for Scottish people who so rarely see their slang or culture on page. Unfortunately, I am not Scottish, which is a bummer as I would love to live in a country where the national animal is a unicorn. Anyway, this was pretty inscrutable to me.

Basically, Sammy is brutally beaten by the police, and must come to terms with the permanent damage done to his body. I don't think a glossary would be entirely out of place here, although his favorite word is "fuck" and that's universal.

This novel won the 1994 Booker Prize, which made Kelman the first Scottish author to win. One judge described the Booker decision as a "disgrace" and said: "I'm really unhappy. Kelman is deeply inaccessible for a lot of people. I am implacably opposed to the book. I feel outmaneuvered." Well, at least she took it like a champ. I get both sides of the argument, it is inaccessible, but a book shouldn't have to be in the perfect King's English and written by an Oxford grad to be worthy of a prize.

So a book that is not for me, but never claimed to be. Not mad about it, but happy to move on!

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Among the critics of the novel were Kingsley Amis, world renowned buzzkill.

UP NEXT: City Sister Silver by Jachym Topol

817. A Disaffection

A Disaffection
James Kelman
1989
Around 340 pages

A stream of consciousness novel written in a Scottish dialect does not make for an easy read. So I struggled through this one, even if I related to Patrick Doyle being a Bitter Betty.

Patrick is an unhappy teacher who is in love with another married teacher, Alison. Patrick discovers he is to be transferred out of his present school which is the result of Patrick asking for a transfer, although Patrick has no memory of doing so. The rest of the novel concerns Patrick's visit to his parents one weekend and then to his brother Gavin's home.

I know a lot of teachers, so the musings about the nature of the profession were amusing. Teachers are always entertaining when they are complaining. But the pacing was slow and as an American it was a bit inaccessible. 

But hey, if you're a Scottish male teacher, this may be your book soulmate.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize.

UP NEXT: Like Life by Lorrie Moore

751. The Busconductor Hines

The Busconductor Hines
James Kelman
1984
Around 240 pages

Well, if you thought a novel about a busconductor couldn't be interesting....you were right.

So we get a slice of the Glasgow scene, with our busconductor Robert Hines finding life to be "a very perplexing kettle of coconuts." Like many of us, Robert is unsatisfied with his job and finds comfort in his family and rich interior life. Honestly, it's hard to read as Kelman uses authentic Scottish dialect.

I have to imagine that Kelman portrayed the Glasgow working man convincingly, but I don't think it has as much resonance for the non locals. Kind of a middle of the road experience for me.

Only 250 left!

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

First novel published by Kelman.

UP NEXT: Dictionary of the Khazars by Milorad Pavic