Finding Familiarity in Strangers: A Review of So Late in the Day: Stories of Women and Men by Claire Keegan
There’s something almost magical about the way a familiar scent can transport us back in time, evoking memories that linger in the mind like wisps of smoke. Claire Keegan expertly captures this idea in her collection So Late in the Day: Stories of Women and Men. This book drew me in with its evocative title and the promise of nuanced tales that explore the complexity of relationships between women and men. The moment I dove into the first story, I was hooked—not just by the alluring prose, but by the depth of feeling that radiates from every page.
The title story, "So Late in the Day," sets the tone with a beautifully intimate unfolding of memories tied to scent. The protagonist, Cathal, finds himself conflicted as he recalls a past relationship with Sabine, a woman who brought softness and warmth into his life. Keegan paints a vivid picture not just of the relationship, but of how memories shape us. The line “He sat breathing in her scent until it occurred to him that there must be thousands of women… who smelled the same” resonated deeply with me. It’s a perfect encapsulation of how we often seek familiarity in strangers, a feeling that transcends time and space.
Each story in this collection seamlessly interweaves personal reflection with moments of epiphany. In “The Long and Painful Death,” a writer’s residency serves as a backdrop for introspection, where she grapples with her own worth and the fraught expectations imposed upon her by others. The tension between her aspirations and the external demands placed upon her creates a gripping narrative that is both alarming and thought-provoking. The sentence, “How she chooses to ‘work’ is up to her, not some annoying random man,” struck a chord with me. It speaks to the heart of autonomy and creative expression—a theme that reverberates throughout Keegan’s work.
With distinct characters that feel genuine, Keegan allows us to peer into their lives, revealing their vulnerabilities and dreams. In “Antarctica,” the exploration of a married woman yearning for adventure is both liberating and somber, deftly exploring the boundaries of desire and the complexities of domestic life. Keegan’s knack for precise details—like the joyous allure of a plum-colored dress—ultimately leads to profound realizations about identity and longing.
What I admire most about Keegan’s writing is her ability to distill complex emotions into succinct narratives. So Late in the Day is a collection of only 17,000 words, yet it packs an emotional punch that feels expansive. Keegan’s prose is rhythmic and evocative, compelling readers to pause and reflect on each story’s significance, leaving us pondering long after we’ve turned the last page.
I wholeheartedly recommend So Late in the Day to readers who revel in beautifully crafted, thought-provoking stories that delve into what it means to love, remember, and ultimately, be human. This collection will resonate with anyone navigating the intricacies of relationships, identity, and the fleeting moments that shape our lives.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, Claire Keegan’s collection offers a reminder of the beauty found in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments we share with one another. Reading this book left me not just entertained, but enriched—like catching a whiff of a long-forgotten fragrance, awakening memories and emotions that linger well after the last page is turned.
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