Claire Keegan’s ‘Small Things Like These‘ is a powerful and poignant read. True to its name, the book is only 115 pages long and one of the shortest to be shortlisted for a Booker.
The author’s writing style is impressive, conveying so much with every sentence; it is a masterclass in writing a social commentary with subtle observations uncovering awkward truths. The story touches upon a shameful chapter in history, the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland. There are several lines in the book that touch the reader’s heart and make them angry and sad at the same time.
Furlong is a coal merchant in Ireland in the eighties. He has a loving family and makes enough to be comfortable. It’s Christmas time – the perfect time to be Christian by supporting the less fortunate and reveling in the festive atmosphere. Yet, the town chooses to turn a blind eye towards uncomfortable truths as it helps avoid confrontation with a powerful church.
Furlong undergoes a moral crisis as his past haunts him, and his conscience does not permit him to ignore the injustice. Does he emerge an unlikely hero, or does he follow the path convenient to his family and him?
The ending was left to interpretation and was unsatisfactory for me as a reader because I felt despite the noble intentions of the protagonist, he would have to deal with the consequences of his actions and pay the price. I desperately wanted to be proved wrong, but the author left it open-ended.
After completing it, I did some research on the history of the Magdalene laundries. The best historical fiction are those that prompt the reader to look up stuff and improve their knowledge. This book is a quick read, but one that stays with you long afterwards. The biggest takeaway for me as a writer was penning down power-packed sentences that take the story forward. So much said with so little. Truly impactful!
Interesting review!