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di_orourke's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
aaryan_156's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
thebobsphere's review against another edition
4.0
I have to admit that, despite the fact I adore big chunky novels, I am starting to appreciate the power of a novella. Things like These is an example of how one can say a lot within a 115 pages.
The year is 1985, Ireland and Bill Furlong, who is happily married and with five children is preparing for Christmas. The problem is that he is remembering how he had so many struggles in his past to make sure that he and his family live comfortably.
In the meantime he visit a Magdalen laundry in order to wash some sheets and deliver coal. There he discovers that the treatment of the girls there is shocking, which leaves him to undertake a decision.
This is the first time I’ve read about the Magdalen laundries in fiction and it is quite a sensitive topic as it deals with extreme cruelty to women while the places were funded by the Catholic Church. The beauty of this book is that although suffering is depicted, it is never self indulgent. What the reader has is a snapshot of one of the more salubrious aspects of Irish history.
At the same time Small Things Like These depicts class struggle and the effects of kindness. There’s quite a few levels to the story but Claire Keegan’s economic writing style keeps the book flowing and all the themes emerge effortlessly.
I have only one problem with this book and that I should have read it at Christmastime rather than in the beginning of Spring but ah well.
The year is 1985, Ireland and Bill Furlong, who is happily married and with five children is preparing for Christmas. The problem is that he is remembering how he had so many struggles in his past to make sure that he and his family live comfortably.
In the meantime he visit a Magdalen laundry in order to wash some sheets and deliver coal. There he discovers that the treatment of the girls there is shocking, which leaves him to undertake a decision.
This is the first time I’ve read about the Magdalen laundries in fiction and it is quite a sensitive topic as it deals with extreme cruelty to women while the places were funded by the Catholic Church. The beauty of this book is that although suffering is depicted, it is never self indulgent. What the reader has is a snapshot of one of the more salubrious aspects of Irish history.
At the same time Small Things Like These depicts class struggle and the effects of kindness. There’s quite a few levels to the story but Claire Keegan’s economic writing style keeps the book flowing and all the themes emerge effortlessly.
I have only one problem with this book and that I should have read it at Christmastime rather than in the beginning of Spring but ah well.
euanspeaks's review against another edition
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Beautifully written, utterly haunting
bigfatraindrops's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
robmclaverty's review against another edition
4.0
This novella is beautifully written, setting a vivid scene right from the first sentence. As a shorter story, the plot and characters develop quickly, with not an unnecessary word in sight.
The story deals with a saddening aspect of British and Irish history and it was shocking to me that stories like these happened as late as the 1980s.
Overall, this is a story about changing cultures, set in a community where the old world order that is threatened and overcome by modern values. It was a really interesting and eye-opening short book.
The story deals with a saddening aspect of British and Irish history and it was shocking to me that stories like these happened as late as the 1980s.
Overall, this is a story about changing cultures, set in a community where the old world order that is threatened and overcome by modern values. It was a really interesting and eye-opening short book.
ned_f's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75