Set in 1985 at Christmas, Small Things Like These clocks in at a little over 100 pages and thus is a small, but weighty read that punches above its page count. Ms. Keegan carefully details the small, Irish town with descriptive language. With even more care, she quietly but vividly fleshes out the protagonist, Bill Furlong. Bill is disquieted by a variety of thoughts ranging from the past, evaluating the responsibilities as a father and spouse against moral imperatives, evaluating the purposes of life, and the significance of small things. Every word by this author is thoughtfully chosen. This is a story that can go a variety of directions and it is not until the last few pages that the author reveals her hand. As a reader, I was not disappointed, and I would warrant that many other readers will find the end fitting, satisfying, and ultimately hopeful.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: 3 F-word derivatives.

Violence/Gore: Speculation that there is physical abuse/neglect occurring to young women; physical signs that young charges are being mistreated; implied threats.

Sex/Nudity: Character is born out of wedlock and father is not known; innuendo; speculation that a place houses unwed mothers; man notices impression of a woman’s breast under her clothing.

Mature Subject Matter:

Economic hardship, unwed mothers/pregnancy out of wedlock, physical abuse/neglect, moral responsibility/choices.

Alcohol/Drug Use:

Reference to people with drinking problems; reference to smoking; adults drink with meals, at pubs, and as part of celebrations.