Small Things Like These (Hardcover)
December 2021 Indie Next List
“Claire Keegan works magic in this small novel about a truly good man in 1985 Ireland, and the difficult decision he faces at Christmastime. Keegan captures the extraordinary courage required to live an ordinary life with honor.”
— John Lynn, The Kennett Bookhouse, Kennett Square, PA
Staff Reviews
Keegan's short novel uses every word concisely and with surprisingly emotional connection we see Bill Furlong, a successful businessman, whose inner moral voice and familial responsibilities start his awakening to ugly truths in this Irish tale of conscience. A gem!
(Adult Fiction) Find more Staff Picks by Maureen
— MaureenShortlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize
"A hypnotic and electrifying Irish tale that transcends country, transcends time." --Lily King, New York Times bestselling author of Writers & Lovers
Small Things Like These is award-winning author Claire Keegan's landmark new novel, a tale of one man's courage and a remarkable portrait of love and family
It is 1985 in a small Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and family man faces into his busiest season. Early one morning, while delivering an order to the local convent, Bill makes a discovery which forces him to confront both his past and the complicit silences of a town controlled by the church.
Already an international bestseller, Small Things Like These is a deeply affecting story of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy from one of our most critically lauded and iconic writers.