Claire Keegan’s Small Things Like These is a terrific novel that captivated me with its quiet exploration of moral responsibility, decency, and the power of standing up for what’s right despite the opinions of others. The book itself is fictional, though it is based on the all-too-real events that occurred in the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland as late as 1996. Such events in these laundries included girls and women being institutionalized and forced to work in deplorable conditions at the hands of the Catholic Church for what they considered “promiscuous” behavior.

In its simplest form, Small Things Like These is about Bill, a coal merchant and family man who lives an ordinary life. As the story progresses, it touches on the theme of moral responsibility and speaking out for what’s right. This is shown through Bill’s dilemma of whether to go against not only the opinions of the entire town but also the powerful influence of the Catholic Church.

The novel’s heart lies in Bill’s internal struggle, particularly his decision to help a young woman named Sarah, who is trapped in one of the laundries. The most powerful moment in the book, for me, is when Bill walks through the town with Sarah, aware of the consequences yet feeling an unexpected surge of hope and euphoria, however fleeting. This scene is rich with emotion, as Bill realizes the weight of his choices and the risks he faces. He knows that, despite the fear that grips him, leaving Sarah behind would haunt him forever.

The ending is open-ended, and it’s left unclear exactly what happens next. It’s uncertain what the reaction of Bill’s family and the town will be to his decision. I believe this is done intentionally to symbolize that the opinions of others don’t matter; it’s his decision that counts.

Overall, Small Things Like These is a book that is very thought-provoking and speaks about standing up for what’s right. The author makes us resonate with Bill very well, as he’s an ordinary person faced with extraordinary choices. In my opinion, what makes this book so powerful is how it prompts us to mirror our own experiences. We all sometimes have to make decisions that others might not approve of.

I can’t wait to see how the film adaptation, which came out recently, turns out. Hopefully, the movie will be just as good as the book. Until then, I highly recommend reading this book, given its short 128 pages.