REVIEW:

1985 + Ireland + Christmas = Prime spot on Regina’s Must Read list

In fewer than 120 pages, Claire Keegan has crafted a touching, memorable story about a working-class father of five young girls who reflects on the choice between doing what’s right versus what’s easy. Despite being born into the world under less-than-ideal circumstances, life turned out okay due to the generosity of others. When he discovers a teen in dire need of a saving from the Catholic Church’s cruel (and very real) Magdalen Laundries, will he have the gumption to jeopardize that “okay” existence to step in and embody generosity himself?

What a truly inspirational story this is, and one that makes for perfect reading during the Christmas season, or any season really. For me it’s the message rather than the method that will stick with me though. Some readers may find the literary, dialect-heavy writing too cumbersome, but sticking with it and pushing on to the heartwarming end is so worth it.

Small Things Like These is destined to be a classic novella that begs to be read by its fans year after year. Why not start with this one?

My heartfelt thanks to the author and Grove Press for the opportunity to review a gifted copy via NetGalley. Small Things Like These is now available and can even be found on the Hoopla library app.

PUBLISHER SYNOPSIS:

It is 1985 in a small Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and family man faces into his busiest season. Early one morning, while delivering an order to the local convent, Bill makes a discovery which forces him to confront both his past and the complicit silences of a town controlled by the church.

Already an international bestseller, Small Things Like These is a deeply affecting story of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy from one of our most critically lauded and iconic writers.