How Late It Was, How Late: Analysis of Major Characters
"How Late It Was, How Late" is a novel that delves into the tumultuous life of Sammy Samuels, a 38-year-old Glaswegian petty thief whose experiences with crime and incarceration shape his worldview. The story begins with Sammy's violent encounter with police, resulting in his sudden blindness and a subsequent series of challenges as he navigates life without sight. His girlfriend, Helen McGilvaray, is a barmaid burdened by her own struggles, including losing custody of her children, and she disappears without a trace, reflecting the instability of their relationship.
Supporting characters like Charlie Barr and Tam Roberts illustrate various aspects of Sammy's criminal life, highlighting themes of loyalty and betrayal among friends. Jackie Milligan, a gambler from Liverpool, serves as a catalyst for Sammy's early descent into crime. The narrative also introduces figures such as Dr. Logan, who undermines Sammy's plight, and Boab, his kind-hearted neighbor, who provides essential support. Sammy’s strained relationship with his son, Peter, emerges in the novel's final scenes, revealing the generational impact of his choices and the longing for connection despite his failures. Through these characters, the novel presents a raw exploration of the struggles of individuals caught in cycles of crime, addiction, and personal loss.
How Late It Was, How Late: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: James Kelman
First published: 1994
Genre: Novel
Locale: Glasgow, Scotland
Plot: Fiction, stream of consciousness
Time: 1980s or 1990s
Sammy Samuels, a Glaswegian criminal. A high-strung, 38-year-old petty thief, with a limited vocabulary—he rarely utters an obscenity-free sentence—Sammy has a history of crime and incarceration. Sammy creates his own problems, attacking plain-clothed policemen when he notices they are watching him. (His familiarity with the prison system enables him to recognize “sodjers.”) He is brutally beaten and spends the next few nights in a jail cell. Upon coming to, he realizes he is completely blind. His girlfriend has disappeared without a trace, though he never expresses much concern for her well-being, occasionally wondering to himself where she might have “got off to.” His entire thinking process vacillates between bravado and utter helplessness. He can be happy or proud one minute, and the smallest incident can send him in a tailspin.
Helen McGilvaray, Sammy's girlfriend. Helen in a worrier with real problems to worry about. She is a barmaid who has lost custody of her children. Her boyfriend, an ex-con who continues his criminal lifestyle, has moved in with her. While he doesn't confess to being an alcoholic, he drinks heavily and experiences blackouts. She supports the two of them in her home, while Sammy is enrolled in a government work and pension system. Helen does not appear in the novel; she is referred to in conversation and in Sammy's thoughts. In fact, she has disappeared altogether by the time Sammy is released from jail.
Charlie Barr, one of Sammy's partners in crime. A nice enough fellow, Charlie was raised with Sammy, as their two fathers were good friends. Sammy says that Charlie is a good person, he's just not too bright, and Sammy can't fathom why he quit drinking three years earlier.
Jackie Milligan, a gambler from Liverpool. Jackie is a gambler who introduces a nineteen-year-old Sammy to a life of crime, resulting in Sammy's getting a four-year introduction into prison life. Originally from Liverpool, Jackie is an attractive, smart dresser who makes his way to Glasgow to lay low. He is a heavy gambler who can't stay hidden when he has money to burn, whether it belongs to him or not. He loses everything playing poker, and drags Sammy into the milieu. Sammy speculates that Jackie is likely still in prison or dead.
Tam Roberts, one of Sammy's partners in crime. Tam is a married man with children who does not appreciate Sammy giving Tam's name to the police. Tam “punts” stolen, or knockoff, goods for Sammy.
Billy, Sammy's supposed acquaintance that he names under questioning by the police. Sammy claims he can recollect meeting a man named Billy during his drinking blackout.
The Leg (Mr. Donaghue), runs a booking agency.
Dr. Logan, a physician with the Department of Work and Pensions who refuses to label Sammy's condition as blindness; instead he says, “In respect of the visual stimuli presented you appeared unable to respond.”
Ally, a “Rep” in the judicial system. Ally is a legal representative who hounds Sammy to accept his services for a 33.3 percent cut of any funds he might win for Sammy in court. Ally is relentless in his pursuit of Sammy, convincing him to sue the police department for reparations for the blindness Sammy suffered while in police custody.
Boab, Sammy's neighbor. Boab is a kind neighbor who helps Sammy out when he comes home from jail, completely blind. Helen, Sammy's girlfriend, has disappeared, so he calls upon Boab to take care of small tasks, and to call taxis for him.
Peter, Sammy's son. A sincere 15-year-old, Peter only appears in the last scenes in the novel. The son of a divorced ex-con, Peter hasn't had much contact with his father. He smartly realizes that his father is on the run (or is about to go on the run) and asks him about it. (Sammy lies.) Peter helps Sammy escape town, going so far as to give Sammy all the money he has saved. Peter's insistence on helping his father, juxtaposed with Sammy's immature and rambling (obvious lying) chit-chat, leaves a sinking feeling that results from watching a fatherless child beg his father to be a father.
Keith, Peter's friend. Keith accompanies his friend Peter when Peter must visit his father to take pictures as evidence of Sammy's bruised body. He smokes and is considering going into the Navy, though he is just 15 years old.