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A review by leemac027
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-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? Yes
5.0
Wow. I don't normally read a book in one sitting, but I could not put this down. It is such a beautifully written work. The language used by Claire Keegan is lyrical and its cadence reflects the lilt and flow of the Irish language so well that you are immersed in the world she creates.
But this is a tragic and complicated story. Bill Furlong is a coal merchant, and he works hard to support his family. He tries to give them a better life than he had as a child. He never knew who his father was, and he suffered the ridicule of others for being born out of wedlock under circumstances not considered appropriate at the time.
As Bill keeps on with his work in the village, he has the respect of those within but a discovery he makes at the local convent raises fears and doubts. He is stuck between acting and ignoring. What should he do? Is there one small thing he can do to change someone's life?
But this is a tragic and complicated story. Bill Furlong is a coal merchant, and he works hard to support his family. He tries to give them a better life than he had as a child. He never knew who his father was, and he suffered the ridicule of others for being born out of wedlock under circumstances not considered appropriate at the time.
As Bill keeps on with his work in the village, he has the respect of those within but a discovery he makes at the local convent raises fears and doubts. He is stuck between acting and ignoring. What should he do? Is there one small thing he can do to change someone's life?