Reviews tagging 'Suicidal thoughts'

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

85 reviews

orlaelan's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

5.0

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

caitlin_e's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark informative sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I’ve been studying the Magdalene Laundries as part of my dissertation and wanted to explore the fictionalised literature that has been produced over the years. This was, by far, one of the most highly recommended and with good reason. Keegan has been able to portray 1980s Ireland and there attitude towards the Magdalene Laundries with great respect and accuracy. She has detailed how many turned a blind eye to what they knew was happening, choosing to allow a contained terror in order to protect the betterment of the rest of society. Hearing how the town’s folk talk (or rather don’t) about the girls in the convent and how, upon seeing them in person, they treat them as some kind of “other”, who is unworthy of respect and dignity.
Keegan’s brief touching upon the girl’s missing infant echoes the reality that so many women faced; never learning of where their babies had been taken, or if they were even alive. It’s a devastating and horrific part of history, and as a feminist it brings me fury like no other, but narratives like these show the world what really happened during the 7-8 decades through which the laundries functioned.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

lalalasto21's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This story covers one of the most harrowing events in the history of Ireland. The language and POV makes the reader question what they would’ve done, had they made this tragic discovery. It is a fast-paced read, but never feels like anything is missing. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

brigman_books's review against another edition

Go to review page

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? It's complicated

4.25

A very thoughtful and emotional short story. I really enjoyed leaning about the main character and his struggles to do the right thing. The author did an incredible job at exploring the themes in this book.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

shaleen64's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense 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

4.0

This book beautifully explores what it means to have humanity, and the heartbreaking results that come from prejudice and ‘turning a blind eye’.

There are many themes explored and emotions evoked in so few pages. A book worthy of a anyone’s time.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

sophie14nm's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

apthompson's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

the_clueless_tourist's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional hopeful informative reflective sad 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? It's complicated

4.25

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

bootrat's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Another short but very impactful book from Claire Keegan. I really liked Bill, and I'm glad he got the start in life that he did when - as we learn - many babies in similar situations at the time didn't. 

I was happy with the way the book ended wrt his parentage, and I'm now off to go down a rabbit hole of Magdalene laundries.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

eons_19's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad 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? It's complicated

4.25

Really beautiful piece of Irish fiction. Centred around the choices that a family man must make between helping those who are voiceless while risking business and his daughter’s futures.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings