by: Claire Keegan
Goodreads description:
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.
Helen says: 🤓🤓🤓🤓
This little book packs a mighty punch. I think it will haunt my memory forever. The story started out rather wholesome- detailing the mundane life of a happy family in 1980’s Ireland. It almost seemed old timey and of another era (think Little Women). A dark undercurrent happens that causes the protagonist, Bill, to reexamine his existence and the treatment of women in the not so distant past. I don’t want to give too much away. It is beautifully written and seems almost dreamlike. You will regain your faith in humanity upon completion of this very short novel. Give it a read!
Holly says: 🤓🤓🤓🤓
What a wonderful read! Small in length, but mighty in story-telling, I highly recommend this one. You will read it in a day. I was familiar with the concept, but not familiar with the name Magadelene Laundries – a very ugly part of history. It is hard to believe that these places were in existence in Ireland until the late 1980’s – it seemed like I was reading about the 1880’s. This one could be called “Do the Right Thing” (not to steal anything from Spike Lee). A lot happens in this short novel, and it is all told in beautiful and concise words. Read this one – you will be glad you did!
Helen and Holly Hit the Books 