Finding Meaning in the Shadows: A Review of So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan
There’s something irresistibly captivating about the title So Late in the Day, isn’t there? It lingers in your mind, a tantalizing promise of secrets and revelations just waiting to be unfolded. As I picked up Claire Keegan’s newly released short story, originally published in The New Yorker, I felt an inexplicable tug of curiosity, not just about the narrative but the themes lurking underneath its surface. Keegan’s writing has a way of intertwining the mundane with the profound, and this story is no exception.
The story introduces us to Cathal, whose life unfolds on a seemingly ordinary Friday in Merrion Square. Described in the opening line, “A brazen sun shone across Merrion Square…,” the setting paints a vivid picture, but soon an unsettling tension begins to seep through the cracks of his everyday existence. As he rides the bus home and deflects questions about his weekend plans, you sense the weight of unspoken emotions hanging in the air, not just around him but within him.
What really drew me into this narrative was how Keegan masterfully sketches Cathal’s character. Initially, my sympathy is with him, but as his story progresses, it starts to wane—a compelling, if uncomfortable, journey. The understated manner in which Keegan unveils Cathal’s flaws and the intricacies of his relationships are both surprising and enlightening. It’s a poignant reminder that life doesn’t always provide clear resolutions; instead, it often leaves us grappling with ambiguity.
The wardrobe—a recurring motif throughout the story—serves as a powerful symbol of secrets and identities. With evocative prose that invites reflection, Keegan delves into what it means to hide behind façades or to confront the uncomfortable truths we often choose to ignore. It echoes the sentiment from Philip Larkin’s poem that graces the title page: “It stands plain as a wardrobe, what we know…Yet can’t accept. One side will have to go.” This quote resonated deeply with me, highlighting our collective struggle to balance what we conceal with what we reveal.
Keegan’s writing style is both lyrical and incisive, with a pacing that allows the reader to sit with the unfolding tension. Her choice to narrate exclusively from Cathal’s point of view effectively traps us in his limited perception, which not only intensifies our frustration but also invites deeper inquiry into the nature of understanding and miscommunication. I found myself questioning what Cathal truly knows about the people around him, particularly Sabine.
This story demands contemplation, and I felt a deep sensation of unease as revelations gradually came to light. Cathal’s journey is not just about personal revelation, it also becomes an exploration of how our pasts shape our present, often leading us down paths we might never have chosen willingly.
So Late in the Day is a masterpiece of understated emotion. It resonates with anyone who has ever felt the weight of untold stories and unanswered questions—perfect for readers who appreciate a blend of introspection and narrative depth. Keegan’s novella is not just a read; it’s an experience that lingers long after the last page is turned.
In a world replete with noise, So Late in the Day invites us to sit in silence and reflect on the shadows we cast—not just on others, but on ourselves. If you’re looking for a piercing, yet tender examination of human relationships, this evocative tale might just be the reflection you didn’t know you needed.