David Furlong

The provided Wikipedia extract focuses entirely on Claire Keegan's novella 'Small Things Like These', detailing its publication, accolades, and narrative. The story is set in Ireland in December 1985 and follows Bill Furlong, a coal merchant who uncovers disturbing truths about a local convent's Magdalene laundry. His discoveries lead him to question his own past and confront the societal pressures that discourage speaking out against powerful institutions.

The novella received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its moral depth, concise prose, and the powerful storytelling contained within its short length. The writing style was frequently highlighted for its clarity, precision, and understated power. The book has also been adapted into a film, starring Cillian Murphy, which premiered at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival.

The novella 'Small Things Like These' by Claire Keegan is set in 1985 in New Ross, Ireland, centering on Bill Furlong, a coal and fuel merchant. Bill, a family man with five daughters, was born to a teenage mother who was supported by her employer, Mrs. Wilson. While making deliveries to a local convent, Bill begins to suspect that the institution, presented as a training school for girls, is actually a Magdalene laundry where abuse occurs. His suspicions are confirmed when he encounters distressed young women, one of whom expresses a desire to drown herself, and another named Sarah, locked in an outbuilding. Sarah asks Bill to find her baby, but the Mother Superior intervenes, dismissing Sarah's claims and attempting to placate Bill.

Following his disturbing encounters at the convent, Bill struggles to ignore what he has witnessed, despite his wife's advice. A sense of unease leads him to visit the old Wilson home, where he learns that Ned, a farmhand he was close to in his youth, has been hospitalized. The new owner of the property notes Bill's resemblance to Ned, prompting Bill to suspect Ned might be his father. Concurrently, a local pub owner warns Bill against criticizing the convent, emphasizing the pervasive influence of the church in town affairs. Despite these warnings and the potential repercussions, Bill returns to the convent, finds Sarah again, and takes her home, an act that draws the attention of the community.

'Small Things Like These' garnered significant praise from critics, with publications like Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal giving it starred reviews. Reviewers frequently commented on the novella's exploration of morality, likening it to an 'anti-Christmas Carol' and commending its 'moral clarity.' Despite its brevity, the book was noted for its profound impact and the depth of character development, allowing readers to understand Bill Furlong's quiet heroism. Keegan's prose was lauded as 'economical,' 'surprisingly powerful,' 'languid and crystalline,' and 'quiet and precise,' with particular attention paid to her skillful use of understatement and her ability to capture authentic dialect.

The novella 'Small Things Like These' has been adapted into a film featuring Cillian Murphy in the lead role, with a screenplay co-written by Enda Walsh. Filming locations were being scouted in early 2023. The film had its premiere as the opening feature at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival on February 15th. It was subsequently released in the UK and Ireland on November 1, 2024, followed by a release in the United States on November 8, 2024. The book has also been translated into several languages, including Brazilian Portuguese, Czech, German, Italian, and Portuguese.

“a sort of anti-Christmas Carol”

“a stunning feat of storytelling and moral clarity”

“assures us we are all capable of doing the right thing, and that goodness, like misery, can be handed on from man to man”

“Keegan's economy of prose is a marvel ... The book takes just an hour or so to read, but you still feel like you know Bill Furlong by the end and understand why he does what he does. His tale of quiet heroism doesn't require any more words.”

“Keegan, whose short stories contain unusual depth and grandeur, is the only contemporary writer who could manage the feat of a completely imagined, structured and sustained world with such brevity.”