Small Things like These by Claire Keegan (2015): A Review
Author: Claire Keegan
Publication Year: 2015
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
Source: Book (thrifted in the UK for 2 pounds)
Opening Sentence: In October there were yellow trees. Then the clocks went back the hour and the long November winds came in and blew, and stripped the trees bare.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan tells the story of Bill Furlong, a decent coal worker, husband, and father of five daughters. The narrative focuses on Bill’s dilemma about whether to act when he witnesses injustice and trauma inflicted on poor women by those who are supposed to represent God. This experience prompts him to question who he is and what he should do—if anything at all. Despite being a kind and decent man, he grapples with the warnings from those around him and ultimately chooses to act according to his moral principles.
The book is short, easy to read, and based on historical events, prompting readers to consider issues of right and wrong and whether they should act upon their understanding or simply ignore it. While I found it to be a great read, I was somewhat disappointed. I had expected more psychological turmoil, reflection, and suffering related to the choice of whether to act or remain passive. Perhaps my expectations were influenced by hearing about the book through Cillian Murphy’s involvement in the film adaptation; his performances often evoke intense psychological struggles.
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