Reviews

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

clau_07_'s review against another edition

inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

einahpets_reads's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

the_villager's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

luci_08's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

erandle's review against another edition

hopeful reflective sad slow-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

julietteines's review against another edition

reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

cath_a's review against another edition

emotional informative fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

staklene_perle's review against another edition

emotional reflective 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

4.25

fflur_jones's review against another edition

4.0

A masterful short story that builds a convincing sense of unease and collusion as the narration progresses.
Part of me wished the women (those abused in the Magdalene laundries like Sarah as well as Bill's wife, the nuns and other female characters in town) were more fleshed out as characters. Didn't necessarily detract from the perfect pacing and sparse prose but left me wanting more from their perspectives.
A haunting read, will stay with me for a while.

dreaminthepages's review against another edition

5.0

This was a pleasant, immersive, atmospheric tale giving the same vibes as a Charles Dickens story. Was perfect to read over Christmas eve and loved the small town setting. It was also an insightful window into Irish history and the Magdalen laundry system.

I also loved how reflective and full of emotion this was for such a short story - truly packed a punch and it felt like stepping into Bill Furlongs mind.