logo

45 pages 1 hour read

Claire Keegan

Small Things Like These

Claire KeeganFiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 2021

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Claire Keegan

Small Things Like These

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Ireland • 1980s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan is set in December 1985 in New Ross, County Wexford. The story follows Bill Furlong, a compassionate coal merchant who, while delivering to a convent run by nuns, discovers the harsh conditions faced by the girls there. Struggling with memories of his own mother's difficult past, Furlong is moved to take action, despite knowing it may jeopardize his family's future.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Heartwarming

Bittersweet

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.2

192,578 ratings

82%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These has been lauded for its lyrical prose and emotional depth. Set in 1985 Ireland, the novella explores themes of community, moral courage, and personal integrity. While praised for its succinct storytelling and powerful message, some critics feel its brief length leaves certain character arcs underdeveloped. Overall, it’s a poignant and evocative read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Small Things Like These?

Readers who appreciate Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan would enjoy evocative, character-driven stories with deep emotional impact and lyrical prose. Fans of Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout and My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout will find similar narrative intimacy and poignant reflection on human experience.

4.2

192,578 ratings

82%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Ireland • 1980s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.