Small Things Like These

Set in 1985, in a small Irish town, Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan tells the poignant story of Bill Furlong, a dedicated coal and timber merchant. As Christmas approaches, Bill finds himself busier than ever, delivering fuel to the cold homes of his neighbours. Amidst his routine, he begins to confront the quiet, oppressive presence of the Church in his community and faces unsettling truths about the past.

This compelling novella beautifully captures the essence of its time and place, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives and moral dilemmas of its characters. Through masterful storytelling, Keegan creates an atmosphere thick with the weight of unspoken history and the delicate interplay between guilt and redemption.

'Exquisite.' Damon Galgut

'Masterly.' The Times

'Miraculous.' Herald

'Astonishing.' Colm Tóibín

'Stunning.' Sunday Independent

'Absolutely beautiful.' Douglas Stuart

A Book of the Year in The Times and The New Statesman

Described as "a genuine once-in-a-generation writer" by The Times, Claire Keegan's work is celebrated for its precision and emotional depth. Sunday Times calls Small Things Like These "a snowglobe of a story that fits a whole bustling, striving, yearning world into 114 finely wrought pages." Hilary Mantel praises it as "powerful and affecting and very timely... deeply moving," while Sinead Gleeson admires its haunting beauty, labelling it "a haunting, hopeful masterpiece."

The novella is not only a commentary on individual morality but also a reflection on societal complicity, as noted by many reviewers. The Daily Telegraph deems it "remarkable" and "truly exquisite," while the Observer sees it as "a restrained and intensely moral book, full of hope and love." Sarah Moss commends its precision, describing it as "marvellous - exact and icy and loving all at once."

Small Things Like These is a work of great subtlety and power, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates rich, character-driven narratives and the exploration of profound themes within the seemingly ordinary moments of life.