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hannahmac95's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Quick narrative, beautiful descriptive writing
naindu's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is my first Claire Keegan novel, and what a way to start!
Keegan's prose is sharp and evocative, drawing us into the world of Bill Furlong, a seemingly ordinary man caught in an extraordinary moral dilemma.
Set in 1980s Ireland, "Small Things Like These" is a deceptively short novel that packs a powerful punch. It explores the profound consequences of silence and inaction in the face of injustice.
Keegan's masterful storytelling leaves a lasting impression. I'm looking forward to read more from her.
Keegan's prose is sharp and evocative, drawing us into the world of Bill Furlong, a seemingly ordinary man caught in an extraordinary moral dilemma.
Set in 1980s Ireland, "Small Things Like These" is a deceptively short novel that packs a powerful punch. It explores the profound consequences of silence and inaction in the face of injustice.
Keegan's masterful storytelling leaves a lasting impression. I'm looking forward to read more from her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Abandonment, and Confinement
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Child death, Excrement, and Cursing
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
jyoti_03's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
pontificate's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
coveredbychristine's review
4.0
When I started reading this story I wasn't sure whether I would like it, but it grew on me as I started digging deeper. The main character, Bill Furlong, goes day in and day out with the same measured routine at home and at work which "when added up, amount to a life". Yet there is something in him that sparks a longing and questioning for more and this comes to test when he drops off a delivery at the towns Catholic Church. Keegan writes in a light and descriptive manner while illuminating a part of history that I knew nothing about, the Magdalen laundries.
I wish there was more to the story after Furlong’s Christmas Eve decision, but that’s the beauty that Keegan creates. This story definitely gives me a lot to think about!
I wish there was more to the story after Furlong’s Christmas Eve decision, but that’s the beauty that Keegan creates. This story definitely gives me a lot to think about!
sofiagloncakova's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
maggieshalloe's review against another edition
5.0
When I finished it, I couldn’t believe that it was over. That being said, I wouldn’t change the length. It was so impactful. Bill Furlong, his gentle heart and the way the essence of a small Irish town has been captured. It was truly beautiful, yet sad, and poignantly highlighted such a terrible mark on Ireland’s past. As someone who grew up close to New Ross, I did get this strange sense of sentimentality from it also. Definitely worth five stars.