Small Things Like These, by Claire Keegan #BookReview.

On By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, opinion, Reading, Review

This condensation of an extensive theme into something far more concentrated, selective, and relevant manages to say everything it means in ways both accessible and moving. The appalling Irish Magdalen laundry system, imposed on the country by a church made far more powerful than it ever deserved by indoctrination and the spread of superstitious fear is cleverly exposed through the eyes and actions of an honest man.

His inadvertent exposure to the results of this system of torture and exploitation of neglected and abused young women creates a slow epiphany in this ordinary businessman going about his mundane daily work.

By concentrating on the very personal and emotional response of a person willing to risk much by choosing the path of honesty framed by concern, the author reveals everything necessary to inform the reader of the dreadful nature of this piece of religious hypocrisy that caused immense grief to hundreds, maybe thousands, of oppressed unmarried mothers.

The history behind this long-lasting injustice is well documented. Modern readers may have come to know about this situation through the excellent film ‘Philomena’. But this small novel with great moral purpose somehow merges the dark background of the subjugated society with the conscience of the enlightened moral stance of the courageous individual.

There is a metaphor here wider than the basic, truthful narrative on the abuse of authority over those without that speaks of the real power accessible to the bold individual willing to ask the right questions and to act on the findings revealed.

A haunting and remarkable book inspiring hope and love.

[Any review is a personal opinion. No reviewer can represent the view of anyone else. The best we can manage is an honest reaction to any given book.]

9 thoughts on “Small Things Like These, by Claire Keegan #BookReview.”

  1. I also loved this book, Stuart, she is such a concise and beautiful writer. Did you also see the film of this book, released late last year? Very good evocation of the book I thought

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    1. Yes, Penny, the writing is exquisite. I haven’t seen the film from this book. In fact, I didn’t realise there had been one. The book was a present that came via my daughter’s mother-in-law in Tasmania, so made a good Xmas read.

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  2. Thank you, Stuart. The movie, as you said, is probably not nearly as good as the book, and yet it is an amazing movie – we own the movie and have watched it a couple of times.

    I am not surprised to see that the book has won some awards and also that you have it on your review list. Amazing story. Thank you, Stuart, and I pray you and your love are well. Big hugs, Joni

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    1. The film was good, Joni, but this book deals with the issue in a different, more focused way. Both have their place, and both reveal the iniquities and utter hypocrisy of the church. I expect both had a significant impact on the reduction of power of the Catholic church in Ireland.

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