📚: Small Things Like These, Claire Keegan
- Posted: 2026-10-20
- 2 min
Heartwarming. I’m touched by this magical Christmas tale. I like the desenlace.
The writing is beautiful. Less is more. The scenery comes to life in an economy of words. Bills feelings fly —we feel what he feels, his pride of his girls, his fear of losing it all, his empathy towards those struggling, his annoyance, his weariness.
⚠️ Warning: Spoilers
We follow Bill Furlong as he navigates society’s hypocrisy actions the corruption of the Catholic church and finds in his heart the strength to do what’s right and, at great inconvenience, save Sarah.
I appreciated that the “chain of good” is explicit —his heroic act is only possible thanks to that of Mrs Wilson (and perhaps of Ned).
I also appreciate Furlong’s subtle change when he comes back to Eileen after having meet Sarah. It feels like the decision has already been made —though he may not yet fully realize it— and this makes him stand stronger, freer.
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