Book Review: "Small Things Like These" by Claire Keegan; A Winter's Treasure

Some books feel like a warm light in the cold, offering comfort and reflection in equal measure. "Small Things Like These" by Claire Keegan is exactly that—a quiet but powerful novel that leaves an imprint on the soul. It’s the kind of book that lingers, that hums with quiet strength, that reminds us of the goodness that still exists in the world.

Claire Keegan, an acclaimed Irish writer known for her precision and emotional depth, has a remarkable talent for saying so much with so few words. Her prose is crisp, her storytelling deliberate, and her ability to evoke deep emotion in a short span is nothing short of masterful. With Small Things Like These, she once again proves why she is one of the most gifted contemporary writers.

Set in a small Irish town during the Christmas season of 1985, the novel follows Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant who has built a quiet, honest life for himself and his family. As he makes deliveries in the days leading up to Christmas, he stumbles upon a truth that unsettles him—one tied to the Magdalene laundries, institutions run by the church where young women were subjected to cruelty and forced labor. Faced with an ethical crossroads, Bill must decide what kind of man he wants to be.

“It wasn’t a matter of what would be easy or difficult but of what was right and wrong.”

 What Makes This Book Special:
- Brevity with Immense Impact – In just over 100 pages, Keegan crafts a story richer and more profound than novels three times its length. Every word feels essential, every sentence weighty with meaning.
- A Story of Quiet Heroism – Bill Furlong’s journey is one of simple decency, yet it resonates on a grand scale. His choices remind us that goodness is often found in the small, everyday moments of life.
- A Perfect Winter Read – The crisp, wintry setting and the novel’s introspective tone make it an ideal book to curl up with during the colder months, a reminder of the warmth found in kindness.

Final Thoughts:
Small Things Like These is a novel that will stay with me for years to come. It is beautifully written, deeply humane, and utterly absorbing. Keegan reminds us that even the smallest acts of goodness can hold great weight, that kindness is not passive but courageous. This book is a gift, one I will return to every winter as a reminder of what it means to be a good person.

5/5 stars.

I cannot wait to read more from Claire Keegan. If you haven’t yet discovered her work, let this be your invitation.