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.