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The Late Hector Kipling
Hector Kipling is a famous artist. But Hector is not as famous as his best friend, Lenny Snook. And as they are standing in the Tate Gallery one afternoon, Hector's life begins to unravel. For a painter, this existential crisis is the place from which great art is born. If the painter happens to be a forty-three-year-old man with a girlfriend away from home, it is the recipe for disaster.
Soon it's all Hector can do to keep it together -- between his therapist who shows up drunk at a party and introduces herself to his parents, an irresistible young female poet with a terrifying taste for S&M, and a deranged stalker with an oil-and-canvas-inspired vendetta, just trying to cope is enough to make a man cry.
As the events in his life threaten to drive him toward full-blown dementia, Hector finds himself in a bizarre and murderous pursuit of a man threatening to kill him in return, spiraling into a hysterically surreal Hitchcocklike thriller -- the story of how a man can become desperate enough to shoot his way out of a midlife crisis.
At turns warm, witty, and joyfully absurd, David Thewlis's wicked comedy marks the debut of a savagely funny and observant literary talent.
339 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2007
36 people are currently reading
1047 people want to read
About the author
David Thewlis
3 books172 followersDavid Thewlis (born David Wheeler; 20 March 1963) is an English actor of stage and screen, and the author of one novel, The Late Hector Kipling (2007).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
February 17, 2009
This is the kind of book that you just can't keep to yourself. I found myself constantly looking for someone to share passages with. Some of it was just too funny to keep to myself and some of it was just too insightful....some of it was both. All of the characters are familiar enough to hit home and insane enough to be absurd.
Experiencing the novel through Hector's eyes, in first person, is really the best part of the whole thing. It gives the novel a very personal feeling. It's almost as if the reader is having a conversation with Hector, as if he were a good friend you hadn't talked to in a few years and the two of you are catching up.
Sometimes Hector is rude and completely gives you too much detail, sometimes he hushes things up and doesn't tell you enough, and sometimes his descriptions leave you absolutely breathless.
Thewlis is an absolutely terrific author, in my opinion. It's very hard to believe that it's his debut novel. Such an intense, personal novel that makes you actually say, "Woah!" out loud at a few points is an incredible achievement even for the experienced.
Experiencing the novel through Hector's eyes, in first person, is really the best part of the whole thing. It gives the novel a very personal feeling. It's almost as if the reader is having a conversation with Hector, as if he were a good friend you hadn't talked to in a few years and the two of you are catching up.
Sometimes Hector is rude and completely gives you too much detail, sometimes he hushes things up and doesn't tell you enough, and sometimes his descriptions leave you absolutely breathless.
Thewlis is an absolutely terrific author, in my opinion. It's very hard to believe that it's his debut novel. Such an intense, personal novel that makes you actually say, "Woah!" out loud at a few points is an incredible achievement even for the experienced.
May 13, 2010
In the interest of full disclosure, I confess that the reason this book caught my eye, and the reason I checked it out from the library in the first place, is that it was written by the actor who played Remus Lupin -- my favourite character -- in the Harry Potter movies. He brought such wonderful qualities to the character that I was curious to see how his creativity would play out on the printed page. I'll gladly give this book its props. It's an interesting story, and the style is excellent and consistent, with lots of black humour and clear intelligence, but I'm sorry to say that I just didn't get on with the story all that well. I started out feeling a bit sorry for poor Hector, an artist having a bit of a mid-life crisis, whose own creativity is overshadowed by the recognition and acclaim of his best friend. His biggest complaint seems to be that he feels his art lacks depth because, at forty-three, he's never really known anyone who died. But as the story progresses, and Kipling digs himself in deeper and deeper, making stupid choices and telling obvious and damaging lies to everyone in his life, my sympathy waned. Kipling's life quickly spirals out of control, facilitated by a dapper psychopath who seems even more hellbent on destroying his life than Kipling himself is (trust me; he doesn't need much help). By the last third of the book, I found myself thinking that Kipling's best option was to just top himself and get it over with before he destroyed the lives of everyone around him.
August 18, 2009
David Thewlis was a writer before he was an actor. This shows, in his novel The Late Hector Kipling. Most authors want their narrators or main storyteller to be a hero, or at least someone you like or want to be. Not Thewlis. In the tradition of Catcher in the Rye, the narrator is a complete antagonist. He is someone you wouldn't want to know. This does not make the book unreadable, however, but perhaps even more so, as you really want him to come to his senses, but no, he is a selfish, self-serving arse and just when you think he can't get any worse, he does. This causes a lot of humour in the tale of the main character and his friends, despite that one is dying... I await the next effort of literature from Mr. Thewlis with eagerness...
January 11, 2022
where do i begin my GOD amazing book. hilarious and thought provoking and entertaining all throughout. im certain if i had a physical copy id have highlighted every single page its so so well written and interesting
i went into it without knowing anything about it which is the best way to do it i think? dont read the synopsis or anything just read the book. its like a dark comedy - sort of philosophical ramblings of an artist, hector who is self centred and obnoxious and basically a dick.
excellent ill re read it for sure. also its really gory at times so keep that in mind
i went into it without knowing anything about it which is the best way to do it i think? dont read the synopsis or anything just read the book. its like a dark comedy - sort of philosophical ramblings of an artist, hector who is self centred and obnoxious and basically a dick.
excellent ill re read it for sure. also its really gory at times so keep that in mind
January 21, 2009
This is my most favourite book in the whole world.
January 3, 2011
This is brilliant. Thewlis' style of writing is fresh and unlike anything I have read. The story is very good. Hector Kipling is an artist, who, seemingly, is searching for the perfect type of sorrow.
No one in his family has died, and when his girlfriend Eleni's mother gets severley burnt in an accident, he is jealous that she gets to experience the kind of sadness that he has been wanting to feel. While back in her homeland of Crete, he begins an affair with an American poet called Rosa. Her sadistic style and tendency to flirt with his friends puts him ill at ease.
Hector's odd descent into madness begins when one of his friends die, and, instead of finding the sorrow he wants, he doesn't seem to care. Things start going worse and worse for Hector, and his personality warps and changes throughout the story. Incredibly explosive ending as well. You never know what is is going to happen next in this book. Highly recommended!
No one in his family has died, and when his girlfriend Eleni's mother gets severley burnt in an accident, he is jealous that she gets to experience the kind of sadness that he has been wanting to feel. While back in her homeland of Crete, he begins an affair with an American poet called Rosa. Her sadistic style and tendency to flirt with his friends puts him ill at ease.
Hector's odd descent into madness begins when one of his friends die, and, instead of finding the sorrow he wants, he doesn't seem to care. Things start going worse and worse for Hector, and his personality warps and changes throughout the story. Incredibly explosive ending as well. You never know what is is going to happen next in this book. Highly recommended!
July 15, 2010
Well, that was ... weird. XD Which is to be expected, I think. Thewlis strikes me as a pretty weird guy so it makes sense that the story he felt the need to tell would be so bizarre. The summary's use of the word "surreal" hits the nail directly on the head, in my opinion, but because truth really is stranger than fiction so often, nothing that happens is truly unbelievable. It's perhaps a little unbelievable that it all happens to one guy, but even that...? Dude, some people just get shit on all the time.
I quite enjoy the way David Thewlis writes. There were almost no characters at all that I actually liked but I still found them all fascinating and I never once lost interest in what was happening or would happen to any of them. And his dialogue... It's realistic! Sometimes it looks a little shoddy on the page, but you know what? Listen to people talk. Dialogue is shoddy. And none of the rest of his writing can be described that way, so I figure it's got to be on purpose. If it's not ... well, isn't he lucky then, because it works out really nicely. XD
Even though I liked this book, I'm not giving it a universal recommendation because it's most definitely not for everyone. You have to have the right kind of sense of humor -- a dark one -- and you have to be able to understand satire, sarcasm and actual irony. Sadly, most people don't. I've got a better grasp on those concepts than the average person, if I do say so myself, and even I had a few moments in this book where I laughed at a wrong moment or realized belatedly that I should have laughed at something and didn't. This book also isn't for people who like everything all wrapped up in a neat package with a bow on top. I also don't recommend it to fans of happy or even just satisfying endings.
So I repeat: I really enjoyed The Late Hector Kipling. But I'd say others should read at their own risk.
I quite enjoy the way David Thewlis writes. There were almost no characters at all that I actually liked but I still found them all fascinating and I never once lost interest in what was happening or would happen to any of them. And his dialogue... It's realistic! Sometimes it looks a little shoddy on the page, but you know what? Listen to people talk. Dialogue is shoddy. And none of the rest of his writing can be described that way, so I figure it's got to be on purpose. If it's not ... well, isn't he lucky then, because it works out really nicely. XD
Even though I liked this book, I'm not giving it a universal recommendation because it's most definitely not for everyone. You have to have the right kind of sense of humor -- a dark one -- and you have to be able to understand satire, sarcasm and actual irony. Sadly, most people don't. I've got a better grasp on those concepts than the average person, if I do say so myself, and even I had a few moments in this book where I laughed at a wrong moment or realized belatedly that I should have laughed at something and didn't. This book also isn't for people who like everything all wrapped up in a neat package with a bow on top. I also don't recommend it to fans of happy or even just satisfying endings.
So I repeat: I really enjoyed The Late Hector Kipling. But I'd say others should read at their own risk.
June 3, 2021
I woke up this morning to a text from my friend asking me to start reading this book, mostly because I finished 'Faking It' yesterday - another book she recommended. And this was mostly to keep me busy before we finally start reading a fantasy series together. Regardless, I obeyed her - clearly - and read it within six hours, minimum.
I remember David Thewlis as Remus Lupin and used to believe that the hype for his writing came from Harry Potter fans that adored him - before my friend vouched for it. That was thanks to the annoying pattern of celebrities writing whatever they wanted to just because they were famous, which often results in terrible stories with close to no plot lines. But, obviously, that is not the case with Thewlis.
The book is about an artist named Hector Kipling - clearly - and about his experiences with losing people and winding up in difficult situations. As the narrative progresses, the protagonist loses people to death or illness, and often makes the entire situation about himself; I guess we could say that he has a main character complex. But the whole storyline is presented in first-person, making the incidents within it more intimate and personal for the readers. Much like talking with people in general, there are multiple occasions when the events described are either detailed too intricately, or even barely spoken about; which amazes me as many writers try to stay consistent with their narrative techniques, traditionally.
Everything about this book is brilliant, from the writing style to the plot to the characters. I rate it four stars and would not mind rereading it. I highly recommend it to those interested in mystery, suspense and the blatant disregard for life or the practical and objective approach to discussing it.
I remember David Thewlis as Remus Lupin and used to believe that the hype for his writing came from Harry Potter fans that adored him - before my friend vouched for it. That was thanks to the annoying pattern of celebrities writing whatever they wanted to just because they were famous, which often results in terrible stories with close to no plot lines. But, obviously, that is not the case with Thewlis.
The book is about an artist named Hector Kipling - clearly - and about his experiences with losing people and winding up in difficult situations. As the narrative progresses, the protagonist loses people to death or illness, and often makes the entire situation about himself; I guess we could say that he has a main character complex. But the whole storyline is presented in first-person, making the incidents within it more intimate and personal for the readers. Much like talking with people in general, there are multiple occasions when the events described are either detailed too intricately, or even barely spoken about; which amazes me as many writers try to stay consistent with their narrative techniques, traditionally.
Everything about this book is brilliant, from the writing style to the plot to the characters. I rate it four stars and would not mind rereading it. I highly recommend it to those interested in mystery, suspense and the blatant disregard for life or the practical and objective approach to discussing it.
October 9, 2024
If there is book that I held in my clutches as I was finishing high school and going through difficult time, it was this one.
It is so clever in art that you may feel either shamed or little too excited, it's a satire with lot of insides into the rotten mind of artists to which any of those or us, may I say? We can relate to. Not to this extent hopefully but it is interesting study of how far can one be willing to go.
Worth to get hold of.
It is so clever in art that you may feel either shamed or little too excited, it's a satire with lot of insides into the rotten mind of artists to which any of those or us, may I say? We can relate to. Not to this extent hopefully but it is interesting study of how far can one be willing to go.
Worth to get hold of.
September 7, 2020
Was this the greatest book I have ever read? Absolutely not. Was it the worst? Not even close. Was it entertaining? It was okay.
The main character, who starts out decent enough, turns into a complete waste who makes one selfish decision after another simply because he is jealous of his best friend's success.
The main character, who starts out decent enough, turns into a complete waste who makes one selfish decision after another simply because he is jealous of his best friend's success.
August 17, 2024
Loved this book! Love it's wry humour and quite dark, sombre atmosphere. Some great oneliners and creative spins. Bought and read because of Thewlis' acting career (Naked being one of my all time favorites) and was not only not disappointed, but very pleasantly surprised at how good it was. Great read if you want something a bit darky and sarcy.
January 31, 2019
3.5 stars.
February 22, 2018
such shit rambles on like a mad man. took me nearly two years to finish it!
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June 23, 2025A well-constructed account of a life descending into chaos and misery. I didn’t particularly enjoy much about it but Thewlis definitely achieved what he set out to do. There were passages where the prose really caught in my brain but other than that it was mostly just stressful to read.
July 24, 2011
Ich fand es unheimlich zäh zu lesen.
Eigentlich dachte ich immer, mein Englisch wäre ok. Mit anderen englischen Büchern hatte ich jedenfalls noch nie so großartige Probleme. Aber dieses hier hat mich echt geschafft.
Zum einen lag das an den "Spezialwörtern" (wie z.B. unser deutscher "Edding". Das ist eigentlich die Marke und nicht der Stift selber, aber jeder weiß, was mit Edding gemeint ist; auch wenn der entsprechende Gegenstand nicht von dieser Firma / Marke sein sollte.) Aber die erklärten sich mir größtenteils aus dem Zusammenhang.
Aber der gute Mann schreibt so wahnsinnig verschwurbelt und leider, leider merkt man dem Buch an, dass der Autor sehr lange dafür gebraucht hat (ich meine etwas von 9 Jahren gelesen zu haben)bzw. sehr lange Pausen eingelegt hat. Aufgefallen sind mir Anspielungen und "Szenen" aus Filmen, in denen David Thewlis mitgespielt hat.
Die Sprache war mir einfach zu "fuck"-lastig. Weniger ist da oft mehr.
Die letzten ~80 Seiten fand ich recht ansprechend und viel flüßiger erzählt als der ganze Rest davor.
Vielleicht sollte ich mir überlegen, die übersetzte Version (so es eine gibt) zu lesen, um auch wirklich zu kapieren, um was es genau geht und was genau passiert.
So 100%ig bin ich nämlich nicht dahinter gestiegen.
Also, Mr. Thewlis sollte den Beruf des Autors nie als alleiniges Standbein in Erwägung ziehen.
Eigentlich dachte ich immer, mein Englisch wäre ok. Mit anderen englischen Büchern hatte ich jedenfalls noch nie so großartige Probleme. Aber dieses hier hat mich echt geschafft.
Zum einen lag das an den "Spezialwörtern" (wie z.B. unser deutscher "Edding". Das ist eigentlich die Marke und nicht der Stift selber, aber jeder weiß, was mit Edding gemeint ist; auch wenn der entsprechende Gegenstand nicht von dieser Firma / Marke sein sollte.) Aber die erklärten sich mir größtenteils aus dem Zusammenhang.
Aber der gute Mann schreibt so wahnsinnig verschwurbelt und leider, leider merkt man dem Buch an, dass der Autor sehr lange dafür gebraucht hat (ich meine etwas von 9 Jahren gelesen zu haben)bzw. sehr lange Pausen eingelegt hat. Aufgefallen sind mir Anspielungen und "Szenen" aus Filmen, in denen David Thewlis mitgespielt hat.
Die Sprache war mir einfach zu "fuck"-lastig. Weniger ist da oft mehr.
Die letzten ~80 Seiten fand ich recht ansprechend und viel flüßiger erzählt als der ganze Rest davor.
Vielleicht sollte ich mir überlegen, die übersetzte Version (so es eine gibt) zu lesen, um auch wirklich zu kapieren, um was es genau geht und was genau passiert.
So 100%ig bin ich nämlich nicht dahinter gestiegen.
Also, Mr. Thewlis sollte den Beruf des Autors nie als alleiniges Standbein in Erwägung ziehen.
September 10, 2022
The good:
- The story is immersive. Even through all the craziness that is this book, I felt like I was really there, standing by Hector, watching it.
- I liked the writing. Though in some parts it feels like David Thewlis is trying to use big words for the sake of using them, it weirdly fits the pretentious character of Hector Kipling as well. The writing was melancholy where it needed to be. Emotions, especially anger, were written in a way that made me feel them as well.
- Hector Kipling is one of the most interesting, messed up and memorable characters I’ve come across. He feels like a very real (and very dislikable) person.
The bad:
- I feel like this book could’ve been about 150 pages shorter. The same end result could’ve been achieved in less pages. A lot happens in this book. And because so much happens, it is hard to recall everything. Which ultimately makes a lot of plots seem a little fuzzy to me.
- At times (again, because so much is happening) it was a little difficult to keep up. I found myself having to re-read some of the later pages because things didn’t completely make sense the first time around.
The ugly (potential trigger warnings):
- Alcoholism
- Animal death
- Foul language
- Sexual descriptions
December 22, 2010
Well, huh. This definitely was an interesting read. Strange is a word I'd use to describe the actual plot. Dead on is how I'd describe the narration (though I suppose it would be rather tongue in cheek of me to do so).
The voice of the work I'm in love with and hence, the star rating. There were parts I laughed out loud at, which is somewhat rare. But Mr. Thewlis definitely created a living breathing person in Hector Kipling, and to a varied extent, the other cast of characters.
I wasn't as enamored by the pacing, which felt too fast at times and not fast enough at others (though, I admit, this could be as designed considering the first person pov and the progression of the character himself).
I'm glad to have read this, though, and look forward to anything else he writes.
The voice of the work I'm in love with and hence, the star rating. There were parts I laughed out loud at, which is somewhat rare. But Mr. Thewlis definitely created a living breathing person in Hector Kipling, and to a varied extent, the other cast of characters.
I wasn't as enamored by the pacing, which felt too fast at times and not fast enough at others (though, I admit, this could be as designed considering the first person pov and the progression of the character himself).
I'm glad to have read this, though, and look forward to anything else he writes.
May 2, 2016
I must say I am disappointed in the book. I guess I was expecting something very exceptional and life-changing since the author is David Thewlis but alas and alack it was just okay. It was weird. I guess seeing into the life of an artist is not all that we really want to know about artists.
The book is about three artists, Hector Kipling, Lenny Snook, and Kirk Church and how they deal with each others successes and failures in both their professional and personal lives. Interesting but not one I would pick up or recommend. Unless you like stories about insane people who cannot seem to hold their lives, lusts, and losses in check.
The book is about three artists, Hector Kipling, Lenny Snook, and Kirk Church and how they deal with each others successes and failures in both their professional and personal lives. Interesting but not one I would pick up or recommend. Unless you like stories about insane people who cannot seem to hold their lives, lusts, and losses in check.
January 23, 2021
I will recommend this book until the day I die. David Thewlis is one of my favorite actors and I’ve been meaning to read his book for years. If you’re doing the same, or questioning it for any reason, take this as your sign. Do it. You won’t regret it.
It was pure chaos, in the best possible way, wrapped in a dark wit that left me cackling and sending quotes to my friends in the wee hours of the morning. One of those same friends is reading it now herself, and sending me quotes back.
The author has another book coming out in May, and I can’t wait. If it’s anywhere near as good as this one, he’s in good shape.
It was pure chaos, in the best possible way, wrapped in a dark wit that left me cackling and sending quotes to my friends in the wee hours of the morning. One of those same friends is reading it now herself, and sending me quotes back.
The author has another book coming out in May, and I can’t wait. If it’s anywhere near as good as this one, he’s in good shape.
July 20, 2023
Oh wow.
Okay, so this book... Wow.
Everything was so exquisitely written. It’s so perfectly witty, and so enjoyable. How we get to experience Hector’s mental demise through his own mind, and how we get to see him slowly paint a picture of his life as it continues to get worse?! Amazing.
This has quickly become one of my favourite books. I have annotated the hell out of it, and one of my favourite things about it was the repetition of silence. Silence is so important in this book for so many reasons. I could go on, but I won’t.
Easy 5/5 for me. I even loved it so much I made a playlist for it.
Okay, so this book... Wow.
Everything was so exquisitely written. It’s so perfectly witty, and so enjoyable. How we get to experience Hector’s mental demise through his own mind, and how we get to see him slowly paint a picture of his life as it continues to get worse?! Amazing.
This has quickly become one of my favourite books. I have annotated the hell out of it, and one of my favourite things about it was the repetition of silence. Silence is so important in this book for so many reasons. I could go on, but I won’t.
Easy 5/5 for me. I even loved it so much I made a playlist for it.
December 21, 2008
Quirky, contemporary, a dark, tongue-in-cheek look at the competitive world of high art. Good voice but the first person/present tense style wears thin after a while; its a strain to carry all the nuances of motive and action but such is the burden of the present tense. Enjoyed it the first time through, reads fairly quick once you get used to the style but it's not something I would idly re-read in a hurry. That said, it is merely the author's first novel and I will keep an eye out for any further novels he writes.
June 13, 2010
My goodness, if this isn't one of the best stories I've ever read I'm not sure what is. The Late Hector Kipling follows the artist Hector Kipling as his life goes from perfection to destruction. Much more than a simple mid life crisis the downfall of Hector Kipling is orchestrated by himself and others until he has nothing left.
David Thewlis did an amazing job capturing characters, locations and plots, as well as the feeling and motivations behind everything. His prose is something to be celebrated by just how artful and poetic it is.
David Thewlis did an amazing job capturing characters, locations and plots, as well as the feeling and motivations behind everything. His prose is something to be celebrated by just how artful and poetic it is.
August 8, 2009
It took me forever to actually sit down and read, but once I did, I found myself trapped in the novel, managing to stop only once someone pried the book from my hands.
Though it is written in present tense, that fact didn't bother me as much as I had believed it would due to the fact David Thewlis (better known for his role as Remus Lupin in the Harry Potter movies) has a wonderful writing style that bewitched me.
Though it is written in present tense, that fact didn't bother me as much as I had believed it would due to the fact David Thewlis (better known for his role as Remus Lupin in the Harry Potter movies) has a wonderful writing style that bewitched me.
July 23, 2012
David Thewlis is a clever guy, and he knows a lot about the art world. I can imagine that this novel was written by the character he plays (briefly) in 'The Big Lebowski.' (But it's more fun to imagine this is a novel WRITTEN BY REMUS LUPIN.) The ending was a bit unexpected, but I suppose it's a statement about the irony of any artist calling another artist a thief, since creative theft is essentially the definition of art.
I hope David Thewlis writes more novels.
I hope David Thewlis writes more novels.
May 16, 2013
I loved this book. Who knew that David Thewlis could write better than he could act (and I think he is a fantastic actor). You can tell there is a lot of him in this, and some of the manic-ness of his character Johnny in Mike Leigh's Naked. But, besides that, this book is intense, and I like how it deals with the art world, putting it in a new and gritty light. The characterization is wonderful and after finishing I was stunned for days.
April 30, 2021
well damn thats a lot of death...
idk what to say but this book took me to a rollercoaster journey and i personally enjoy reading it, i love the writing style, the first person pov make me feels like im having a five hours convo with hector
but anw this is not the type of book i can recommend to everyone bcs i dont think everyone could accept the dark humor and all those bizzare stuff in this book lmao
idk what to say but this book took me to a rollercoaster journey and i personally enjoy reading it, i love the writing style, the first person pov make me feels like im having a five hours convo with hector
but anw this is not the type of book i can recommend to everyone bcs i dont think everyone could accept the dark humor and all those bizzare stuff in this book lmao
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2011
So many feelings. I love it; I absolutely did. The language was beautiful and Hector in his own screwed up way was beautiful, and I would pay so much more for a sequel. If only Thewlis would retire from acting just to write. It was dark and creepy and so effed up, but it was wonderful and original.
Read
February 13, 2013I really wanted to like this book. David Thewlis is a great actor, and an interesting person. But the narrator of this book, an artist, was too introspective for my tastes and I couldn't develop any compassion for his character.
February 19, 2022
This book was INCREDIBLE! Absolutely blew my mind. David’s mind is absolutely twisted. In a good way. I will definitely be reading his newest book! Such an incredibly talented actor and writer. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews