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.