Claire Keegan's New Work Captivates Male Readers with 'So Late in the Day'

Claire Keegan's latest novel, 'So Late in the Day' (너무 늦은 시간), has quickly gained traction among readers, particularly among men in their 50s and 60s. This follows the success of her previous work, 'Small Things Like These' (이처럼 사소한 것들), which became a bestseller in South Korea after the release of a film adaptation starring Cillian Murphy. The book sold over 150,000 copies and topped the 'Book of the Year' lists on major online bookstores like Yes24 and Aladin.

Keegan, an acclaimed Irish author, has managed to break the typical demographic mold of fiction readers, who are usually women in their 30s and 40s. Her storytelling has resonated with male readers who typically prefer genres like comics or business literature. According to Yes24, 'Small Things Like These' was the most-read work in the fiction, poetry, and drama categories among male readers in the first half of last year.

The novel, which was shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize in 2022, explores the inner turmoil of a man who uncovers a secret complicity within his community. Critics have noted that its profound themes transcend gender, appealing to a wide audience.

Released on July 3, 'So Late in the Day' features a collection of short stories, including 'Antarctica' (남극) from her debut work and 'A Long and Painful Death' (길고 고통스러운 죽음), alongside the titular story. Despite its modest length of 120 pages, the book invites readers to reflect deeply on its themes and characters, making it a rewarding experience to revisit.

The stories, written over a span of nearly a decade, are cohesively tied together. The English edition carries the subtitle 'Stories of Women and Men,' while the French version is titled 'Misogyny' (여성 혐오), highlighting the different perspectives that gender can bring to the reading experience. The title story revolves around a man named Cahill, who reflects on his past with his fiancée Sabine just before their wedding is called off. Couples preparing for marriage may find this narrative a thought-provoking basis for discussion about their own views on relationships.

The final story, 'Antarctica,' concludes with a shocking twist, prompting readers to ponder the complexities of happiness and fidelity. It begins with a provocative line about a woman contemplating infidelity, leading to an unexpected and violent resolution that underscores the author's unflinching approach to difficult themes. The last line leaves readers contemplating the nature of hell and eternity, inviting them to explore these concepts further within the pages of the book.