Claire Keegan‘s Small Things Like These is a testament of the power of masterful storytelling in the exploration of the human experience and the emotions it entangles. It provides a compelling and rather intimate glimpse into the life of the protagonist identified as a diligent and compassionate man living in rural Ireland in the last decades of the 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, a period of time during which Ireland was grappling with quite significant social and cultural movements that brought along conspicuous changes, the novella delves into the delicacies of Bill’s life as he progressively navigates a world dominated by hidden truths. The book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review by Libris.

The novella primarily revolves around Bill’s encounters with a distressed young woman, who seeks refuge and assistance from him, a situation that brings along a chance to confront and challenge his own moral values, societal norms, and a plethora of personal convictions. Claire Keegan, whose The Forester’s Daughter is one of my all-time favourites, poignantly captures the nuances of the human nature, relationships and the impact of individual choices on the collective lives of those involved. Small Things Like These, a thought-provoking narrative through which a deep exploration of themes such as empathy, social responsibility, and the power of simple acts of kindness is encouraged, is certainly a statement of the author’s undeniable artistry. Keegan’s writing is both lyrical and evocative and through it she succeeds at painting a vivid portrait of each of the characters and the Irish countryside altogether. The novella’s succinctness and precision define it as a concise yet impactful work, illustrating the author’s skill in distilling complex emotions into a relatively small number of pages.

Conclusively, this unexpectedly powerful novella is one of the most beautifully written and emotionally resonant works not only through its approach but through its encouragement to contemplate the significance of the seemingly trivial and unimportant choices we make in our lives. Claire Keegan’s storytelling is shining through each sentence, turning the novella into a compelling and memorable read for those who appreciate literary fiction that delves into the depths of the human experience.

Title: Small Things Like These
Author: Claire Keegan
Publication Date: 2021
Publisher: Grove Press
Format: Hardcover|118 pages