SO LATE IN THE DAY

Claire Keegan narrates her story about a Friday in the life of a Dublin office worker. Her deep voice, a trifle raspy, conveys its darkness of mood. An Irishman named Cathal ventures home to his flat, where no one welcomes him, not even his cat. This story depicts the endemic misogyny that can thwart relationships. Ingrained in Cathal is a stinginess of spirit. He was once engaged to a lively French girl, charmingly portrayed by Keegan, but he failed to unbend and celebrate the simple joys of companionship. Though this story unfolds in less than an hour, it creates a fully developed portrayal of a man lacking in generosity, empathy, or humor. Keegan is both a skilled narrator and the creator of a small literary gem. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2023]