đ: Small Things Like These, Claire Keegan
- Posted: 2026-10-20
- 2 min
Heartwarming. Iâm touched by this magical Christmas tale. I like the desenlace.
â ď¸ Warning: Spoilers
We follow Bill Furlong as he navigates societyâs hypocrisy actions the corruption of the Catholic church and finds in his heart the strength to do whatâs right and, at great inconvenience, save Sarah.
The writing is beautiful. Less is more. The scenery comes to life in an economy of words. Bills feelings fly âwe feel what he feels, his pride of his girls, his fear of losing it all, his empathy towards those struggling, his annoyance, his tiredness.
I appreciated that the âchain of goodâ is explicit âhis heroic act is only possible thanks to that of Mrs Wilson (and perhaps of Ned).
I also appreciate Furlongâs subtle change when he comes back to Eileen after having meet Sarah. It feels like the decision has already been made âthough he may not yet fully realize itâ and this makes him stand stronger, freer.
Related
- Up: Books Notes about books read by Alejandro Cuervo-Hotz.
- Prev: Butcherâs Crossing Journey to the wild west, a buffalo hunt. The wilderness is brutal, turns our best into madmen. Its indifference hollows them out, leaving them alone with their demons and vices; yet, once theyâve tasted it, they never go back. Although the descriptions of the land and the hunt are compelling, Iâm giving only â because, ultimately, I didnât find it particularly convincing nor insightful.
Quotes: