A review by savvylit
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Small Things Like These is a perfect literary novella. The length? Excellent. The imagery and characters? Rich and cinematic. The setting is almost instantly a fully fleshed out world. I felt like I'd personally taken a time machine to 1980s Ireland to observe the events that take place.

Ultimately, this short tale packs quite a heavy punch. Based on real history, Small Things Like These unveils the cruel reality - and open secret - of Magdalene Laundries and the ways that they punished and imprisoned young, unwed mothers.
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