Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
#BookTakesPlaceDuringFavoriteSeason
review
BarbaraBB
Small Things Like These | Claire Keegan
post image
Pickpick

“… the worst that could have happened was already behind him; the thing not done, which could have been…”

I had neve heard of the so called Magdalen Laundries, institutes usually run by Catholic orders, housing “fallen women” who were forced to labor there. The last one was shut down in 1996!

This little novella is set during Christmas and while also being quite atmospheric, packs a punch.

Copying @squirrelbrain tags for the #BookerPrize2022

Cathythoughts The Magdalen laundries were a terrible crime committed in this country. 2y
BarbaraBB @Cathythoughts I researched a bit after finishing the book and am shocked by its scope and how long it went on! 2y
Cathythoughts It‘s awful, the pain will go on for a long time. 2y
See All 23 Comments
batsy I think the first time I heard of such an institution was in a James Joyce short story. The book sounds harrowing but very good; I've seen nothing but praise. Lovely review and picture! 2y
TrishB I definitely wanted this to be longer! 2y
BarbaraBB @TrishB Yes I could have read much more about the convent and the family too. 2y
Cinfhen Agreed, for such a slim book it packs a powerful punch. Also GORGEOUS sea & sky💙💙💙 2y
JamieArc Lovely photo. There is a film about it (fiction) called The Magdalene Sisters. It came out in 2002. That‘s where I learned about it. 2y
Tamra I loved this one too! 2y
BarbaraBB @JamieArc Thanks! I‘ll look for that one! 2y
squirrelbrain Great review Barbara! Tagging @Hazel2019 too, who is also reading the #booker longlist. 2y
jlhammar That water! Gorgeous. I'm glad it was a pick for you. I am just in awe of her writing. What she can manage with so few words. I read this one back in March and it will be among my favorite reads of the year. 2y
charl08 A wonderful book. I'm trying to catch up with her other writing, so many lovely stories. 2y
BarbaraBB @jlhammar I want to read Foster too now! 2y
BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain @Hazel2019 Thanks! I‘ll remember that, planning to read many more nominated books! (edited) 2y
Hazel2019 It is so heartbreaking how these women and children were treated and the thousands that perished 💔 2y
Ruthiella Next to The Trees, this is the only other Booker 2022 longlister I have already read. It is a harrowing read, especially knowing that it is based in fact. 2y
sarahbarnes Great review and pic! I have this one from the library and am looking forward to it. 2y
BarbaraBB @Hazel2019 It really is heartbreaking. How could I not have known about this? 2y
BarbaraBB @Ruthiella I read The Trees too, of course (ToB) and loved it. I also read Oh William, which I loved too. Are you planning on reading the longlist? 2y
Ruthiella @BarbaraBB I don‘t think I will tackle the longlist but maybe the short list? It‘s a good list though. I might just see what‘s available at the library? 2y
BarbaraBB @Ruthiella It‘s such a good list it reminds me of the #ToB 😉 2y
69 likes1 stack add23 comments