Small Things Like These

I got this because I loved Foster by Claire Keegan. I didn't like this one nearly as much. It is set around Christmas time, which is nice if you read this around that time of year. Something about the main character rubbed me the wrong way, I appreciated that he tried to do something good at the end, I suppose, but it's left on a massive cliffhanger. I wouldn't say this is a feel-good story because the ending is left far too open and the journey to get there all feels like a bit of a downer.

The premise of the book is very important and the execution was marvelous but I think the story has been cut short for the length and even though the writing style is very simple and relevant, I was hoping for more versatility here. The ending has suited this book well in, adapting an open-to-interpretation ending gave the book the last touch of realism it needed. Not to mention I got to know about an obscure historical practice that involved the death of more than ten thousand innocent people. Kudos to Claire Keegan for mentioning this topic in the author's note.
4 stars/5

A very short book with profoundly deep impact

Lesa's recommendation. Set in an Irish town. Connects to the Catholic laundries for single mothers. A quick read.

You gain such a deep sense of knowing the characters and the setting in so few words. Beautiful writing.