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Night Song of the Last Tram
A wonderfully colourful and deeply poignant memoir of growing up in a 'single end' - one room in a Glasgow tenement - during and immediately after the Second World War. Although young Robert Douglas's life was blighted by the cruel if sporadic presence of his father, it was equally blessed by the love of his mother, Janet. While the story of their life together is in some ways very sad, it is also filled with humorous and happy memories. NIGHT SONG OF THE LAST TRAM is a superb evocation of childhood and of a Glasgow of trams and tenements that has long since disappeared.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 10
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 30, 2013
Night Song of the Last Tram is the first of 3 books in which Robert Douglas tells the tale of his life. It is the most emotional book of the three, as little Robert and his mother Janet try to survive in a one room apartment in Glasgow, during the war years. His alcoholic, abusive father returned after the war, and his presence was detrimental to the lives of Robert and his mother. He would beat both Janet and Robert whenever he felt like it, but in one of the best revenges I have read about in a long time, Janet crawled out of the bed one night, found some kind of a stick, and while her husband was lying on his stomach, probably sleeping off another drunk, she beat him black and blue from the top of his back downwards, resulting in the fact that the man did not get out of bed for 3 days! He largely became absent from Robert and Janet's lives, and one of the most sad and poignant parts of the book is when Janet becomes very ill and dies, leaving Robert basically an orphan at age 14. This was so sad, and reminded me of some of the emotion and atmosphere in the book "Angela's Ashes". Of course when I read the first book, I did go on to read the next 2 books. In these two books, the innocence of childhood has gone, and it is that innocence that makes this the best book of the three.
February 20, 2015
Wonderful is not enough
One of the best ever books I've read. Some what similar to Nikita's childhood but way better than that. You can experience Glasgow by yourself and be a part of wee Robert throughout.
One of the best ever books I've read. Some what similar to Nikita's childhood but way better than that. You can experience Glasgow by yourself and be a part of wee Robert throughout.
December 26, 2017
The relationship between Robert and his mother was very touching.
February 28, 2012
Before I even begin reviewing this one I feel the need to say that it is my humble opinion that the blurb on the back cover is not not a particularly true representation of the book as a whole as though Robert's abuse at the hands of his father is indeed chronicled it plays only a minute part it what is a largely life affirming memoir.
Beautifully written and full of wry humour, this is a wonderful tale of a young boy growing up in an environment poor in material things but rich in friendship and community spirit. The story of a boy who has such an extraordinary relationship with his mother that at times I was almost reduced to tears.
Highly recommended, I really enjoyed the reading of this and even though some of the narrative was written in the vernacular I personally didn't have any difficulty in following it as to be fair there was only the odd sentence here and there as opposed to pages and pages of it and, if nothing else, the context generally provided some pretty accurate clues which helped greatly.
Beautifully written and full of wry humour, this is a wonderful tale of a young boy growing up in an environment poor in material things but rich in friendship and community spirit. The story of a boy who has such an extraordinary relationship with his mother that at times I was almost reduced to tears.
Highly recommended, I really enjoyed the reading of this and even though some of the narrative was written in the vernacular I personally didn't have any difficulty in following it as to be fair there was only the odd sentence here and there as opposed to pages and pages of it and, if nothing else, the context generally provided some pretty accurate clues which helped greatly.
May 2, 2008
I chose this book for an older book group that I started as I thought they would identify with the time it was set in and,as it was their first read together, it would break the ice. They loved it and have gone on to read the other two books Robert Douglas has written. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it as well, it is very funny but also extremely sad, set in a more innocent bygone age when life was simple but some things remain unchanged......love, loss and rejection.
February 28, 2017
A great read
Just finished this book and brought back many memories of growing up in 50's Glasgow. I bought it because of the title as I loved to hear the last trams at night going through Barrachnie. I lived in Barlanark. Also the memory of looking up at the light in his Mum's room. I did that when my Mum was in the Southern General and she died next morning. Would recommend this book for the great memories. Was happy and sad.
Just finished this book and brought back many memories of growing up in 50's Glasgow. I bought it because of the title as I loved to hear the last trams at night going through Barrachnie. I lived in Barlanark. Also the memory of looking up at the light in his Mum's room. I did that when my Mum was in the Southern General and she died next morning. Would recommend this book for the great memories. Was happy and sad.
July 11, 2012
As a product myself of the Glasgow slums, this brought a heady mixture of highs and lows of nostalgia, and how intriguing that most of the truly negative experiences get swamped by the optimism and laughter that pervades in times of poverty and duress.. The human spirit shines through this book. Loved it.
August 20, 2016
A grand book for this Glesga boy. So many memories of my growing up in the fabulous city intertwined with Robert's. It had everything patter, death, laughter, struggle, brutality, insecurity, and most of all the sense of belonging to a great city and a great nation. Thanks Robert.
January 5, 2026
Without much fuss, a beautiful description of a childhood in Glasgow and the bond between mother and son. From the powerful opening, what if his father had not survived the war, to the emotional ending, it is well worth reading.
May 25, 2024
Hasn’t heard of this book before until very recently but it was great and one of my all time favourites.
Really lets you see what life was like in Glasgow in the 1940’s and 1950’s and what a different life it was from the privileged lives that we live today.
The book is part hilarious and part incredibly sad.
Shows how interesting an ordinary life can be and the writing is so good for someone who only took up writing aged 50.
Highly recommended.
Really lets you see what life was like in Glasgow in the 1940’s and 1950’s and what a different life it was from the privileged lives that we live today.
The book is part hilarious and part incredibly sad.
Shows how interesting an ordinary life can be and the writing is so good for someone who only took up writing aged 50.
Highly recommended.
November 12, 2009
where do i start with this book? i absolutley loved it! i saw it in my mothers bedroom and read the back cover and thought i would give it a go and i am soooooo glad i did.
i cried with laughter and cried with sadness. they way it has been written is amazing, u feel that ur standing beside this little boy and u honestly think ur standing next 2 him and u can almost smell the sodas his mother is making.
this was the 1st book in the trilogy of his autobiography and by far my favourite, so much so that i have read it twice when i have been feeling down because it always brings a smile 2 my face!
i cried with laughter and cried with sadness. they way it has been written is amazing, u feel that ur standing beside this little boy and u honestly think ur standing next 2 him and u can almost smell the sodas his mother is making.
this was the 1st book in the trilogy of his autobiography and by far my favourite, so much so that i have read it twice when i have been feeling down because it always brings a smile 2 my face!
December 14, 2015
Well written memoir of life in urban Scotland in the 50's. Lots of period detail. The love he has for his mother is very touching, especially in some scenes towards the end of the book.
He does do some questionable things very late in the book that make me not so interested in reading the follow up though. Won't give it away, but something he does is just so exasperating that I lost a bit of sympathy for him and did not want to go any further with the second book to get even more disappointed. I guess a lot of people in their late teens do things that seem odd in hindsight though, I know I did. So my criticism is probably a bit harsh.
He does do some questionable things very late in the book that make me not so interested in reading the follow up though. Won't give it away, but something he does is just so exasperating that I lost a bit of sympathy for him and did not want to go any further with the second book to get even more disappointed. I guess a lot of people in their late teens do things that seem odd in hindsight though, I know I did. So my criticism is probably a bit harsh.
October 21, 2016
I wasn’t really looking for this book, but it found me. I’ve enough to read; too much to read, but I couldn’t put it down. It peaked out at me from the library stacks, beckoning me over. The opening:
‘If my father…had been killed in North Africa or Italy during the Second World War I know that for the rest of my life I would have looked at a few photographs of him and mourned our lost relationship.
Unfortunately, he survived and came home.’
That set the tone. I read the book in one sitting. It’s right up there as one of the best along with Ralph Glasser’s (1986) ‘Growing up in the Gorbals’. A beautiful book that I wish I’d written.
‘If my father…had been killed in North Africa or Italy during the Second World War I know that for the rest of my life I would have looked at a few photographs of him and mourned our lost relationship.
Unfortunately, he survived and came home.’
That set the tone. I read the book in one sitting. It’s right up there as one of the best along with Ralph Glasser’s (1986) ‘Growing up in the Gorbals’. A beautiful book that I wish I’d written.
July 14, 2008
A poignant account of life in Glasgow in the years following the second world war, this is a compelling story of a boy whose life is shaped by his father in both his presence and his absence; the quieter story is that of his mother, whose life is a strong thread. A must-read for anyone who likes biographical history.
January 19, 2011
Hard to put this one down, there are obvious similarities to Angelas Ashes, just that the location is Glasgow as opposed to Limerick, and conditions are better. Even though I grew up in ireland in the 70's and this takes place primarily during and post WWII, I could relate to a lot of it.
Good Read.
Good Read.
June 20, 2014
Such a touching read, and a great look into life in Glasgow in the late 1940's/early 1950's. Robert had a tough upbringing and the book will certainly bring tears to your eyes.
One caveat is that Robert writes the dialogue in terms of a Glasgow accent (i.e. "ye cannae dae it") so those not familiar with the accent might have trouble while reading.
One caveat is that Robert writes the dialogue in terms of a Glasgow accent (i.e. "ye cannae dae it") so those not familiar with the accent might have trouble while reading.
January 29, 2009
An interesting insight into what it was like to grow up on the poverty line in working class Glasgow in the aftermath of World War II. Emotional, and thought provoking, made me consider how much I have, and how little my forbears were brought up with.
February 5, 2012
I love this guy, the second of his autobiographies that I have read and like the first I loved it!!
It went from out loud guffaws laughter to I can relate to that and ended with uncontrolable tears of sorrow. A must read recommendation to all my friends.
It went from out loud guffaws laughter to I can relate to that and ended with uncontrolable tears of sorrow. A must read recommendation to all my friends.
April 28, 2008
I really enjoyed this one, parts made me laugh and others, well they would bring a tear to a glass eye.
July 24, 2011
Poignant and funny by turns; a lively evocation of a Glasgow childhood in the 40s and 50s. A great read.
August 2, 2011
It brought back my own memories of Glasgow, albeit mine were always happy. Douglas relives the early part of his childhood vividly and takes us along with him.
Read
February 10, 2013Back to my roots following my visit to Japan on my last read. This was given to me by my dear Mum so will not be a challenging read. Hopefully some memories of an area of my childhood long forgotten.
January 15, 2017
Really enjoyable book - didn't want to put it down until I had finished it!
December 15, 2018
The only reason I'm giving this book a 4 instead of a 5 is because now, I'm hungry for more of Robert Douglas' stories.
I loved this book so much. It reminded me somewhat of my favorite memoir ever written which is JR Moehringer's "The Tender Bar". What I loved about it is that this book is so simply written, and with so much heart. Unlike other books or memoirs, I didn't feel as if this book was written in order to gain sympathy from the reader, or to brag to the reader about one's courage and bravery (or with any other ulterior motive). Rather, it was simply written to tell a story. Aside from that, there were so many touching, humane moments that I actually cried multiple times throughout the book. I was really invested in Robert and Netty's relationship and I cried when Netty died. There's so much humanity in this book that despite all the sad parts (of which there are a handful), the book left me with a warm glow in my heart and helped me regain a little faith in humanity. My favorite moments were when Douglas ran into Springer again in jail and when he brought home bluebells for his mother. I was crushed when Tommy died and when Douglas went to Mulguy, I felt as if I was there with him. I never felt as if Douglas lived in poverty (I think this shows how great a mom his mother was and also how rich his childhood was before his mother's death), and I now feel as if I want my own children to have a childhood like his.
Anyway, another thing I really liked about this story is the way Douglas spells the Glasgow accent. I don't know, I thought it was a really nice touch.
I was a little worried because from the blurbs of the book, I thought this was going to be a really dark, depressing story about an abused child and his abusive father. And while it is like that in some parts, it doesn't take away from the fact that this was a beautiful, happy (I'm not sure if this is an appropriate adjective) read. I think plenty of this comes from the POV of the author as he is writing this while in his 60's, so it's been a while. That kind of distance tends to help make things a little less emotional and considering the way Douglas' career as an author unfolded (later in life), I do think everything worked out the way it should have. If Douglas had written this book on his childhood earlier in life, I know it wouldn't have been as beautiful and nostalgic as the way it was written now.
Speaking of nostalgia, this seems to be the overarching theme throughout the book. A lot of that made me cry, like when he talks about sitting in Linlithgow Castle and imagining his mother at home making him dinner. Everything is sort of sepia-painted in this book, and I find that absolutely marvellous.
The ending left me hanging and that is, as I said in the beginning, the only reason I'm giving this 4/5 stars and not 5/5 stars. But now more than ever, I am looking forward to reading more of Douglas' stories.
PS: Right now, I'm researching on the story he wrote about Russell Pascoe, the man on death row whose story was the beginning of Douglas' writing career. For those who are interested, I believe it's this: https://www.theguardian.com/world/201...
I loved this book so much. It reminded me somewhat of my favorite memoir ever written which is JR Moehringer's "The Tender Bar". What I loved about it is that this book is so simply written, and with so much heart. Unlike other books or memoirs, I didn't feel as if this book was written in order to gain sympathy from the reader, or to brag to the reader about one's courage and bravery (or with any other ulterior motive). Rather, it was simply written to tell a story. Aside from that, there were so many touching, humane moments that I actually cried multiple times throughout the book. I was really invested in Robert and Netty's relationship and I cried when Netty died. There's so much humanity in this book that despite all the sad parts (of which there are a handful), the book left me with a warm glow in my heart and helped me regain a little faith in humanity. My favorite moments were when Douglas ran into Springer again in jail and when he brought home bluebells for his mother. I was crushed when Tommy died and when Douglas went to Mulguy, I felt as if I was there with him. I never felt as if Douglas lived in poverty (I think this shows how great a mom his mother was and also how rich his childhood was before his mother's death), and I now feel as if I want my own children to have a childhood like his.
Anyway, another thing I really liked about this story is the way Douglas spells the Glasgow accent. I don't know, I thought it was a really nice touch.
I was a little worried because from the blurbs of the book, I thought this was going to be a really dark, depressing story about an abused child and his abusive father. And while it is like that in some parts, it doesn't take away from the fact that this was a beautiful, happy (I'm not sure if this is an appropriate adjective) read. I think plenty of this comes from the POV of the author as he is writing this while in his 60's, so it's been a while. That kind of distance tends to help make things a little less emotional and considering the way Douglas' career as an author unfolded (later in life), I do think everything worked out the way it should have. If Douglas had written this book on his childhood earlier in life, I know it wouldn't have been as beautiful and nostalgic as the way it was written now.
Speaking of nostalgia, this seems to be the overarching theme throughout the book. A lot of that made me cry, like when he talks about sitting in Linlithgow Castle and imagining his mother at home making him dinner. Everything is sort of sepia-painted in this book, and I find that absolutely marvellous.
The ending left me hanging and that is, as I said in the beginning, the only reason I'm giving this 4/5 stars and not 5/5 stars. But now more than ever, I am looking forward to reading more of Douglas' stories.
PS: Right now, I'm researching on the story he wrote about Russell Pascoe, the man on death row whose story was the beginning of Douglas' writing career. For those who are interested, I believe it's this: https://www.theguardian.com/world/201...
October 17, 2024
Night Song of the Last Tram (or, as i kept on telling my friends, Last Song of the Night Tram) is a story of a boy's childhood on Maryhill Road in Glasgow, in the 40s/50s.
I was first put in mind of Shuggie Bain - a similarly themed autobiographical tale set in the 80s - and as such i was a bit wary of the subject matter. Shuggie Bain is good but its bleak.
However, within a few pages there was a definite difference in this one. Sure, the young boy and protagonist and author, Robert Douglas, has an abusive father and that plays heavily into the narrative, but its not the subject matter. The real heart of this novel is the boy's relationship with his doting mother, their antics in 40's Glasgow and, most notably, the wonderful and believable characters they encounter.
I particularly enjoyed the language. As a semi-Weegie myself (having worked there and gone to University there and brought up on the outskirts) i loved the various words that you wouldn't find in the Oxford Dictionary (plook being a favourite). And having spent time in the Maryhill area i recognised street names. Its a wonderful window into the past, not only socially but geographically. I had no knowledge of the tram system beyond "it existed", and i certainly didn't know about the prototype monorail built in Milngavie.
Sure the story swerves into territory that has the potential to depress, but thats not Robert Douglas's aim. He covers his misery and sadness but not so much to bring you down. His aim, and he scores massively, is to paint a glorious and memorable picture of his childhood and his memories.
I was first put in mind of Shuggie Bain - a similarly themed autobiographical tale set in the 80s - and as such i was a bit wary of the subject matter. Shuggie Bain is good but its bleak.
However, within a few pages there was a definite difference in this one. Sure, the young boy and protagonist and author, Robert Douglas, has an abusive father and that plays heavily into the narrative, but its not the subject matter. The real heart of this novel is the boy's relationship with his doting mother, their antics in 40's Glasgow and, most notably, the wonderful and believable characters they encounter.
I particularly enjoyed the language. As a semi-Weegie myself (having worked there and gone to University there and brought up on the outskirts) i loved the various words that you wouldn't find in the Oxford Dictionary (plook being a favourite). And having spent time in the Maryhill area i recognised street names. Its a wonderful window into the past, not only socially but geographically. I had no knowledge of the tram system beyond "it existed", and i certainly didn't know about the prototype monorail built in Milngavie.
Sure the story swerves into territory that has the potential to depress, but thats not Robert Douglas's aim. He covers his misery and sadness but not so much to bring you down. His aim, and he scores massively, is to paint a glorious and memorable picture of his childhood and his memories.
August 23, 2022
I finish this autobiography with some delay. My Glasgow book club (my former book club, ouch) had chosen this book, finished it, and rated it before I could get to the equator. They were enthusiastic about it! I don't know the terms (I can't hear their discussions from here, 2000 miles away), but I can guess any 'real' description of Glasgow in the 1940s and 1950s will get bonus points anyway. I couldn't help but feel the pressure of their optimistic rating.
As, however, I got slightly bored a few times. The plot was just a thin thread amongst snapshots of common life, dozens of those snapshots, not particularly exciting or remarkable, but short enough to put some boundaries to the developing boredom. That thin thread is getting stronger and melodramatic towards the end. Any less soulless person than myself would probably let some tears go while reading the two or three last chapters. And here comes the 'true story' factor to play a strong part.
Being against nostalgia, I couldn't get too excited, though. Yes, it is Glasgow, my city; and the language is the language I used to hear. And this was a man who was born in the wrong building to be a writer, so as a reader I think I felt compelled to praise his work more. It is OK, though, but I wouldn't read any more of his autobiographic novels unless my friends at my former book club decide so.
As, however, I got slightly bored a few times. The plot was just a thin thread amongst snapshots of common life, dozens of those snapshots, not particularly exciting or remarkable, but short enough to put some boundaries to the developing boredom. That thin thread is getting stronger and melodramatic towards the end. Any less soulless person than myself would probably let some tears go while reading the two or three last chapters. And here comes the 'true story' factor to play a strong part.
Being against nostalgia, I couldn't get too excited, though. Yes, it is Glasgow, my city; and the language is the language I used to hear. And this was a man who was born in the wrong building to be a writer, so as a reader I think I felt compelled to praise his work more. It is OK, though, but I wouldn't read any more of his autobiographic novels unless my friends at my former book club decide so.
September 3, 2020
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March 11, 2019
A great easy read. Although not brought up in Glasgow I was brought up in the town of Keith in Scotland in the fifties.
Our house was similar Mam & Dad slept in alcove in the living room upstairs in one room was me my wee sister and brother. Gas lamps until I was 11 no inside toilet and no bath or shower. similar stories and adventure although we had a happy family with a good father.
Loved the humour in this book and as other reviewers have written I was also in tears in parts.
A lovely loyal, love and fun relationship showed between Maw and son.
Our house was similar Mam & Dad slept in alcove in the living room upstairs in one room was me my wee sister and brother. Gas lamps until I was 11 no inside toilet and no bath or shower. similar stories and adventure although we had a happy family with a good father.
Loved the humour in this book and as other reviewers have written I was also in tears in parts.
A lovely loyal, love and fun relationship showed between Maw and son.
March 27, 2020
Heartwarming read
I come from Glasgow, so can understand and relate to what Robert writes about., but I think even if you didn't, you would still enjoy this book. It's written with warmth and tumour, of the memories of growing up in Glasgow. The relationship he has,with his Ma is so beautiful, you just feel the love they have for each other. Didn't want the book to end. Great read, thank you Robert Douglas.
I come from Glasgow, so can understand and relate to what Robert writes about., but I think even if you didn't, you would still enjoy this book. It's written with warmth and tumour, of the memories of growing up in Glasgow. The relationship he has,with his Ma is so beautiful, you just feel the love they have for each other. Didn't want the book to end. Great read, thank you Robert Douglas.
March 3, 2022
This memoir of a childhood in post-WWII Glasgow was far less "noble poor" than the previous Glasgow memoir I read, though the grim moments were not sensationalized either. The whole book is an interesting set of snapshots from a particular time in history, and it was both useful to me for the reasons that I read it, but also in general a decent book. I'd be interesting in reading more of his work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews