A review by fightmemacbeth
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

A coal delivery man in 1985 Ireland goes about his regular life in the weeks leading up to Christmas. But he wonders about more than just living in endless routine.

I thought the writing style was beautiful, even though some of the dialect was new to me. The narrator of the audiobook did a really good job. 

"nothing ever did happen again; to each was given days and chances which wouldn’t come back around. And wasn’t it sweet to be where you were and let it remind you of the past for once, despite the upset, instead of always looking on into the mechanics of the days and the trouble ahead, which might never come."

I related heavily to the main character, who didn't know his father and thought about it regularly. But he also struggled with wanting to help others and doing what is best for himself and his family. Not in a selfish way, but he had a lot of kindness and not a lot of resources. I could feel his ache and understand his struggle. The internal battle between knowing there is goodness in people, but also seeing the worst of people.

Summarizing the whole book without spoiling it would be difficult, but it definitely took a turn I wasn't ready for.

I really liked this book. I wish I would've have looked for content warnings, so I knew a bit more of what I was getting into. 

THE ENDING HOWEVER. I struggled with the endings ambiguity. There were so many loose ends and things left unknown, and I really don't like those kinds of endings.

I would recommend this book to someone looking for something deep and thought provoking, who may not have a lot of time on their hands.


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