BOOK REVIEW: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

 I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan is a novella based on the Magdalen laundries run by the Catholic Church in Ireland until 1996. These laundries, overseen by nuns, used the forced labor of unmarried pregnant women who had been cast off. It was essentially slave labor. Thousands of babies (perhaps tens of thousands as the records have been destroyed or disappeared) died while under the care of the nuns. So these were Church-sponsored “baby farms” where a blind eye was turned to infanticide.

Nevertheless, Keegan has written a loving and lovely book. It focuses on one man, who was born out- of-wedlock himself, but who was raised in a safe, caring environment due to the kindness and compassion of one person. 

The man, Furlong, grew up and overcame the stigma of illegitimacy. He worked his way up in a coal yard that he now runs. He married and had four daughters. He loves his family and works hard to provide for them. Times are hard in his town. A lot of people are suffering, but he and his family are getting by better than most. He’s grateful for that and is generous to those who are worse off. But he nevertheless feels oppressed by something. It might be the lingering feeling of inadequacy from not knowing who his father was. It could be a bit of survivor’s guilt, since he is more financially secure than many of his customers and neighbors. It could be the annoying sense that his wife is so intent on meeting their family’s needs that she is a little resentful of his charitable inclinations.

Just before Christmas, Furlong delivers coal to the convent up on the hill and is confronted by the truth of the rumors about the place. He sees girls are being mistreated. He learns that babies are also being neglected. He knows he’s supposed to keep silent about it. In fact, he’s warned that he should keep silent about it or risk the Church’s displeasure, which would have consequences for his own family. Furlong has to decide what, if anything, he is willing to do.

It’s a beautifully written story that manages to be both chilling and uplifting. Highly recommended!