Books
by Claire Keegan
|
Foster |
A young girl from a large and growing family is sent one summer to live in the countryside with two unfamiliar relatives, the Kinsellas. Their kindness, love and care gift her emotional growth but she is equally a gift to them. There are detailed descriptions of the rural landscape and rich characterisations, despite its brevity. Its emotional impact is deep and lingers long after reading. Keegan’s gift to the reader perhaps.
(Christine Miller - bwl 112 Spring 2024) |
|
|
Small Things Like These |
A short book telling a huge story. Taking the true scandal of the Magdalen Laundries in Ireland as a theme - they were all closed down by 1996 - the story is centred round Bill Furlong, a coal merchant, and takes place just before Xmas 1985. Bill, now married with five daughters, had an unusual upbringing and wants to discover his real father. The writing is so beautiful, simple and lyrical, with an unmistakable soft Irish lilt. I now want to read more Claire Keegan.
(Mary Standing - bwl 108 Spring 2023) |
|
|
Small Things Like These |
A short but profound book where every word counts beautifully conveying the community and life in rural Ireland. Set against the background of the Magdalen laundries, Bill Furlong, hard-working coal supplier, senses that all is not well in the local convent. His past - born illegitimate to a maidservant and brought up by her kindly Protestant employer - underscores the theme of humanity and charity versus the cruelty and control of the Catholic church. While the book ends on a hopeful note, we know many dark days were to follow.
(Sue Pratt - bwl 111 Winter 2024) |
|
|
So Late in the Day |
My introduction to Keegan was reading Small Things like These. She can stun you with the clarity of her writing. Not for her lengthy, flowery descriptions but place and characters are carefully drawn. In this novella the narrative takes place over one day. A man, Cathal, reflects on a relationship, time shared and what might have been. The reveal at the end is perfect but awful.
(Christine Miller - bwl 111 Winter 2024) |
|
|
|
