"Small Little Things Like These" - Localisms and strange themes that are mentioned in the story.

 It is very likely that while reading this novel you will come across things, places or words that are difficult to find because they are too local or old.

Next, I present a list of those that I have found in my reading:

1. Rayburn. Pg.17

Rayburn Range Cookers have been the centerpiece of many a British kitchen since the 1950’s.

Source Rayburn Range Cookers

2. ESB Bills. Pg.14

Electricity bill from the Irish company "Electric Ireland"

3. Haughey -The Taoiseach. Pg.14

Charles Haughey (16 September 1925 – 13 June 2006) was an Irish politician who served as Prime Minister. (The Taoiseach)

Source: Wkipedia

4, Hanrahan's Pg.16

A famous shoe shop

5. A leanbh. pg. 17

From Old Irish lenab (“infant, babe, child; young man, youth, boy”).

6. Ribena - Pg. 20

It is a registered trademark of Concentrate Blackcurrant Juice

7. Marmite Pg.20

Marmite is an edible spread that is made exclusively from yeast extract, obtained as a by-product of the beer brewing process.

Source: Wikipedia

8. Puckaun Pg.29

A male goat

9. Beechams Powder - pg. 51    

Cold and flu pain reliever

Source: Live Auctioneers

10.Sherry trifle - pg.52

A trifle is a dessert made from a pastry cream (often solidified) with sherry.

Source: Wikipedia

11. Sliotar - Pg. 54

It is a hard solid ball about 70mm in diameter

Source: Wikipedia

12 Baby Power Pg. 25

It's a kind of Whiskey

Source:  issuu - History of Baby Power

Who's who in the novel "Small Things Like These"

“Small Things Like These” is a historical novel written by Claire Keegan and published in 2021. Below, I provide a brief description of the main characters and their relationships within the novel:

1. Bill Furlong:

   • Description: Bill Furlong is the protagonist of the novel. He is an ordinary middle-aged man living in a small Irish town in 1985.
   • Relationship with other characters: As the story unfolds, Bill becomes aware of the cruelty at a local convent towards unwed mothers and their babies. His quest for justice and quiet courage puts him at odds with the community and the church.

2. Sister Carmel:

   • Description: Sister Carmel is a figure within the convent who is involved in the cruel treatment of unwed mothers.
   • Relationship with other characters: Her role in the oppression and her complicity with the church make her a key antagonist in the story.

3. Mrs. Wilson:

   • Description: Mrs. Wilson is another character who interacts with Bill Furlong. Her relationship with him is affected by her involvement in the community and loyalty to the church.
   • Relationship with other characters: Mrs. Wilson represents the entrenched mindset in the community and resistance to change.
4. Eileen

Eileen is the wife of Furlong, and she has five daughters with him. On the contrary, Eileen does not share the same views on life as her husband. For instance, when Furlong brings the topic of the suffering girls at the convent, Eileen dismisses the topic and discourages her husband from acting in good faith to help the girls escape.

5. Sarah, Furlong’s mother

Furlong’s mother is a domestic servant who works in rich people’s homes to raise her son. However, the living conditions are harsh, and she finds it hard to sustain her needs together with those of her sons. 

6. Mrs. Kehoe

Mrs. Kehoe is the proprietor of a local pub who is well informed about what is happening in the neighborhood. 

The novel “Small Things Like These” is not only an eloquent critique of the Magdalene laundries, but also a poignant Christmas tale that reminds us of the injustices we often prefer not to confront up close. 

March 24 Meeting, "Small Things Like These" by Claire Keegan

 

The Book

Source: Amazon

"Small Things Like These" by Claire Keegan is a poignant and beautifully crafted novella that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of small acts of kindness. Set in rural Ireland in the 1980s, the story follows Bill Furlong, a quiet and observant man who works as a coal deliveryman. Through Bill's eyes, we witness the struggles and hardships faced by the marginalized members of his community, particularly women and children.

Keegan masterfully captures the nuances of everyday life and the profound significance of seemingly insignificant gestures. As Bill navigates his interactions with his customers and grapples with his own moral dilemmas, the narrative explores themes of empathy, compassion, and the ripple effects of individual actions.

The prose is spare yet evocative, imbued with a sense of quiet grace and understated power. Keegan's vivid descriptions vividly bring the Irish countryside to life, creating a richly atmospheric backdrop for the unfolding drama.

Overall, "Small Things Like These" is a gem of a book that resonates long after the final page is turned. It reminds us of the profound impact that small acts of kindness can have and underscores the importance of compassion in a world marked by hardship and inequality.

The Author

Source: Wikipedia

Claire Keegan is an acclaimed Irish author known for her insightful explorations of the human condition, particularly within the rural landscapes of Ireland. Born in County Wicklow, Ireland, Keegan has drawn upon her upbringing and experiences to create vivid and authentic portrayals of Irish life.

Her novella "Small Things Like These" stands as a testament to her skill as a writer. Published in 2021, it quickly garnered praise for its poignant storytelling and profound emotional depth. Set in rural Ireland in the 1980s, the novella offers a glimpse into the life of Bill Furlong, a coal deliveryman, as he navigates the complexities of his community and grapples with moral dilemmas. Through Keegan's keen observations and lyrical prose, she captures the essence of human relationships and the power of small acts of kindness amidst adversity.

Keegan's literary career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the Davy Byrne's Short Story Award and the William Trevor Prize. Her work has been widely anthologized and translated into multiple languages, earning her a reputation as one of Ireland's most gifted contemporary writers.

With "Small Things Like These," Keegan reaffirms her status as a masterful storyteller, weaving together themes of empathy, compassion, and resilience to create a work that lingers in the hearts and minds of readers long after they have turned the final page.