Genres: Fiction
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"Small Things Like These" transports readers to the heart of a small Irish town in 1985, where the protagonist, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and devoted family man, finds himself entangled in a momentous discovery that challenges the status quo and forces him to confront his own past.
As the Christmas season approaches, Bill navigates the bustling streets of his town, fulfilling orders and tending to his responsibilities. However, a chance encounter during a routine delivery to the local convent sets in motion a series of events that shake the foundations of his world. In uncovering a truth hidden beneath the surface of his seemingly ordinary life, Bill is compelled to grapple with the complicit silences that have long haunted his community, controlled by the powerful grip of the church.
Through lyrical prose and poignant storytelling, the author captures the essence of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy in the face of adversity. As Bill wrestles with the moral implications of his discovery, he embodies the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for transformation in the most unlikely of circumstances. "Small Things Like These" is not merely a tale of one man's journey, but a reflection of the collective struggle for truth and redemption in a world marked by secrecy and suppression.
As an international bestseller, this novel has garnered acclaim for its evocative portrayal of Irish life and its exploration of timeless themes such as morality, faith, and the power of compassion. Through its richly drawn characters and vivid sense of place, "Small Things Like These" offers readers a profound meditation on the complexities of human nature and the enduring quest for justice and reconciliation.
In the hands of a master storyteller, this novel transcends its historical setting to resonate with readers of all backgrounds, leaving an indelible impression long after the final page is turned. "Small Things Like These" is a testament to the enduring power of literature to illuminate the hidden corners of the human experience and remind us of the small acts of kindness that can shape our lives in profound ways.
About Claire Keegan
Claire Keegan was raised on a farm in Wicklow. She completed her undergraduate studies at Loyola University, New Orleans, Louisiana and subsequently earned an MA at The University of Wales and an M.Phil at Trinity College, Dublin.
Her first collection of stories, Antarctica, was a Los Angeles Times Book of the Year. Her second, Walk the Blue Fields, was Richard Ford’s book of the year. Her works have won several awards including The Hugh Leonard Bursary, The Macaulay Fellowship, The Rooney Prize for Irish Literature, The Martin Healy Prize, The Olive Cook Award, The Kilkenny Prize, The Tom Gallon Award and The William Trevor Prize, judged by William Trevor. Twice was Keegan the recipient of the Francis MacManus Award. She was also a Wingate Scholar. She lives in Wexford.