A review by mjsteimle
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
4.0
Set in Ireland in the 1980s, the main character of this novella is a man named Furlong. He is able to provide fairly well for his large family of daughters through a business of providing wood, coal, and anthracite to his small, poor town. There is a large convent in the town, and Furlong begins to feel uneasy about the whispers about girls sent to live there. He feels even more uneasy after having some first-hand experiences at the convent. People in the town urge him not to ask questions, as the church is powerful, but the novella ends with Furlong struggling with a moral dilemma and finally making a decision.
The story is set at Christmas, so this is an apt time of year to read this novella, although there is a darkness and bleakness to the story and the tone. The writing is beautiful.
The story is set at Christmas, so this is an apt time of year to read this novella, although there is a darkness and bleakness to the story and the tone. The writing is beautiful.