Small Things Like These- Book Review

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

Publication Date: 26th October 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction, Irish Literature, Magdalene Laundries

4.5 Stars

 
True to the title, Small Things Like These is a small book that shows how small things matter the most. We aren’t talking about the small pleasures of life here. The book deals with the history of Magdalene Laundries (or the asylums). The story is fictional, but it could very well be true. In fact, I wonder how many were lucky enough to have their life turned the way it happens in the book.

If you are wondering what I’m talking about, you will first need to read about Magdalene Asylums set up in different parts of Europe and Australia. Understanding the subtle nuances of the book is not possible without knowing the dark history of the topic.

When a friend asked me to read about Magdalene Laundries, I looked up on Google and remembered that I came across this topic before. There was an episode of Miss Prynne Fisher Mysteries (in the Australian setting) that showed how the lives of the girls in these asylums were no less than a nightmare.

Coming back to the book, Small Things Like These is set in 1895 Ireland during Christmas. It shows Bill Furlong’s life in the then present-day as a successful coal merchant. The story takes us back to his childhood, artfully contrasting the miseries of the unfortunate girls forced to stay at the Magdalene laundries with no chance at the future.

The story is atmospheric, emotional, and wonderful. Not because it shows the truth of how the Catholic Church ensures silence from the crowd. But because it underplays the power to perfection. Bill’s emotions and thoughts dominate the book. His life is proof of how things could have been better.

In three scenes (two short and one medium-sized), the author brings out the mirror and places it right in the brutal asylum with huge walls and padlocked doors. There is no escape except death. And death came in abundance, but not when the girls wanted it.

To see the correct image in the mirror, you need to know what the asylum stood for. There is a note at the end of the book, but I recommend reading the history before picking up this book.

Don’t ignore this book, though. The language is beautiful, and the author’s control over her narrative is evident. She could have made this into an extended drama. But she chose not to. For me, that’s the biggest plus of the book. Though I’m a fan of happy (and proper) endings, I know this book ended at the right place. It leaves us wondering how things would go next, though we know what is likely to happen.

Overall, I would say, go read the book.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Grove Atlantic Press. 

P.S: I can’t wait to see the cover they’d design for this book.

#SmallThingsLikeThese #NetGalley