Book: 12/52.
Small Things Like These - Claire Keegan.
My Rating: 5/5.
My best friend was travelling from JFK (NYC) to India and calling to ask what she should get for me, other than, of course, chocolates and what my family demanded—the only thing I told her was books (as many as she could get). Hence, this book landed in my collection; she gave it to me only after reading it herself, as it is hardly 115 pages and quite a quick read. I am not surprised to read that it was selected for a Booker too, it deserves all the accolades as it covers such a sensitive topic. It is a fictional account based on the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland (late 20th century), where an estimated 30000 or more women and orphan girls, abused, deserted by their families or who did not conform to the then social norms. The protagonist, a coal merchant, takes one such girl to his home, even after having a few of his daughters whom he is not able to provide for. It was such a touching story, especially when he made up his mind that they would plough through somehow, even when they would have to struggle a little more each day. Initially, I wasn’t able to like it, but as the story progressed, it completely engrossed me, and the highest point was the way it ended, totally touching. I didn’t know that they had adapted this into a movie too, which now I am looking forward to big time, as it stars Cillian Murphy in the lead.
Have you read Small Things Like These or any other from Claire Keegan? Do let me know, as I would love to read a bit more from her, and looking forward to the other two books, too, which my friend got for me from the US of A.
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