Book Review: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

Claire Keegan’s “Small Things Like These” is a novella that packs the emotional and thematic weight of a full-length novel into just over one hundred pages. Keegan’s ability to craft a story that is both a scathing social indictment and a deeply personal character study is a testament to her skill as a writer. Set in a small Irish town in 1985, the novella centers on Bill Furlong, a coal and wood merchant, whose life becomes a lens through which Keegan examines the lingering effects of the Magdalen laundries and the societal complicity that allowed them to exist.

What is Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan about?

“Small Things Like These” by Claire Keegan is about Bill Furlong, a coal and wood merchant in a small Irish town in 1985, who discovers the harsh realities of the Magdalen laundries. These institutions, run by the Catholic Church, confined and exploited women deemed morally wayward. The novella explores Furlong’s moral struggle as he decides whether to confront the injustices he uncovers, reflecting themes of empathy, societal complicity, and moral courage.

Furlong’s story is one of quiet resilience. Born to an unwed sixteen-year-old mother, he narrowly escaped the fate that befell many women and children in Ireland’s Catholic Church-sponsored institutions, thanks to the benevolence of Mrs. Wilson, a wealthy Protestant benefactress. This act of kindness allowed him to grow up without being separated from his mother, but it also left a lasting mark on his psyche. Furlong’s life, though outwardly successful and content, is haunted by the shadows of his past and the unspoken judgments of those around him.

“As they carried along and met more people Furlong did and did not know, he found himself asking was there any point in being alive without helping one another? Was it possible to carry on along through all the years, the decades, through an entire life, without once being brave enough to go against what was there and yet call yourself a Christian, and face yourself in the mirror?”
― Claire Keegan, Small Things Like These

Keegan’s portrayal of Furlong is both nuanced and empathetic. He is a man of humble means and deep compassion, often going out of his way to help those less fortunate. His kindness is not just a surface trait but a deeply ingrained part of his character, shaped by his own experiences of marginalization and gratitude for the opportunities he was given. This is exemplified in moments such as when he offers a ride and some spare change to a young boy collecting sticks, recognizing the boy’s plight as similar to what his own could have been.

The novella’s turning point comes when Furlong discovers a teenage girl named Sarah locked in a coal shed at the local convent. This encounter forces him to confront the brutal reality of the Magdalen laundries, institutions where women who were deemed morally wayward were confined and subjected to harsh labor and abuse. The discovery is a catalyst for Furlong, compelling him to make a moral choice that could have significant repercussions for his family and his standing in the community.

“Always it was the same, Furlong thought; always they carried mechanically on without pause, to the next job at hand. What would life be like, he wondered, if they were given time to think and reflect over things? Might their lives be different or much the same – or would they just lose the run of themselves?”
― Claire Keegan, Small Things Like These

Keegan’s writing shines in its ability to evoke a sense of place and atmosphere. The town of New Ross is brought to life through vivid descriptions that mirror Furlong’s internal journey. The prose captures the bleakness of the winter landscape, with its “long November winds” and the “dark as stout” River Barrow swelling with rain. These descriptions not only set the scene but also reflect the emotional and moral coldness that pervades the town, particularly in relation to the hidden suffering of the women in the convent.

The novella’s structure is deceptively simple, but it is this simplicity that allows Keegan to delve deeply into the complexities of Furlong’s character and the societal issues at play. The narrative moves not through dramatic plot twists but through a steady accumulation of small, significant moments that build a sense of dread and inevitability. This approach allows Keegan to maintain a tight focus on Furlong’s psychological and moral development, making his eventual decision all the more impactful.

“Small Things Like These” also explores the theme of silence and complicity. The townspeople, including Furlong, are aware on some level of the abuses happening at the convent, yet they choose to remain silent, either out of fear, indifference, or a desire to maintain the status quo. This silence is a powerful commentary on how societal norms and religious authority can perpetuate injustice. Furlong’s act of kindness and moral bravery stands in stark contrast to this collective complicity, highlighting the potential for individual actions to challenge and change oppressive systems.

Keegan’s ability to create rich, empathetic characters extends beyond Furlong. Though the women in the story, such as his wife Eileen, are not as fully fleshed out, their interactions with Furlong provide crucial insights into his character and the societal pressures they all face. Eileen, in particular, embodies the conflict between protecting her family and the fear of challenging the established order. Her pragmatic approach to life and her initial scorn of Furlong’s empathy reflect the harsh realities faced by many women in a patriarchal society.

While “Small Things Like These” is a historical fiction that addresses specific events and institutions in Ireland’s past, its themes are universal. The novella’s exploration of moral courage, the impact of small acts of kindness, and the insidious nature of societal complicity resonates with contemporary readers. Keegan’s spare, evocative prose and her keen insight into human nature make this a story that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Claire Keegan’s “Small Things Like These” is a masterful novella that combines a searing social critique with a deeply moving character study. Through the story of Bill Furlong, Keegan illuminates the darkness of the Magdalen laundries and the silent complicity that allowed them to flourish, while also celebrating the power of empathy and moral courage. It is a book that challenges readers to reflect on their own capacity for kindness and the importance of standing up against injustice, no matter how small the act may seem.