In 'Small Things Like These' by Claire Keegan, set in 1985 in a small Irish town, readers follow the story of Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant, as he navigates through a time of economic uncertainty and societal pressures. When Bill uncovers a disturbing secret at a local convent, he is faced with a moral dilemma that challenges his values and sense of justice. Keegan's writing style is described as poignant, evocative, and deeply moving, drawing readers into the emotional journey of Bill Furlong and the complexities of the era.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers and content warnings include themes of child abuse, institutional abuse, and the dark history of the Magdalene laundries.
From The Publisher:
Longlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize
"A hypnotic and electrifying Irish tale that transcends country, transcends time." -Lily King, New York Times bestselling author of Writers & Lovers
Small Things Like These is award-winning author Claire Keegan's landmark new novel, a tale of one man's courage and a remarkable portrait of love and family
It is 1985 in a small Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and family man faces into his busiest season. Early one morning, while delivering an order to the local convent, Bill makes a discovery which forces him to confront both his past and the complicit silences of a town controlled by the church.
Already an international bestseller, Small Things Like These is a deeply affecting story of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy from one of our most critically lauded and iconic writers.
Ratings (48)
Incredible (10) | |
Loved It (17) | |
Liked It (12) | |
It Was OK (7) | |
Did Not Like (1) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (83):
Read It (51) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (28) | |
Not Interested (3) |
6 comment(s)
The novella did nothing for me but I think I read it in the wrong time as I wasn't in the greatest headspace and maybe I need to revisit it one day to get the full impact.
Do yourself a favor and pick this up. A short, but impactful story about doing the right thing when everyone is telling you not to bother.
5 star
An excellent read.
Happy Reading!!
From other people's reviews I expected something much more. Once I had finished the book I still felt like there was a lot missing from it. I agree that there were beautiful insights and that the writing was poetic, however I believe I would have got more out of the book if there was a deeper exploration of the things that women had to endure at this time due to the overwhelming religious hold of things. It was an enjoyable read but I feel like I only touched the surface of the novel. Short reads are always interesting but I feel like the author could have brought out so much more with another hundred pages- which I would still be delighted to read due to her soft tone of voice and the authenticity of the entire novel.
honestly., I agree with all the descriptions already posted Yes to excellent descriptive writing with graceful prose - absolutely
I found Furlough to be a really pleasant character who is content with the life he has. But some internal reflection found that he wanted to do more when everyone else wanted to look away. There was a dividing line that it's lucky that his daughters weren't like those girls who got caught up in promiscuity and became fallen women. Furlong struggled over than notion and ultimately extended a kind hand toward the girl locked in the coal shed.
I didn't realize the girl in the coal shed was from the Magdalene Laundries until I read the end note, but I liked it regardless. It just took much too long to get there.
The title of the book was on the mark, it did feel like there were small highlights on the little things in Furlong's life. Like the part where he didn't get a puzzle for Christmas and was so heartbroken. He even lied that he did get it to his family instead of revealing the hand me downs he gotten that year.
What can you read after
Small Things Like These?
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