Title: Small Things Like These
Pages: 128
Publisher: Grove Atlantic
Publishing Date: 30th November 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction, Irish Literature
Format: Kindle
Rating: 3*
Small Things Like These captures a man's internal struggles to do what is right by others, but having to keep in mind his own family. The novella ends in a cliff hanger, with Bill feeling fear and hope at the same time as he is bound to face the consequence of his actions.
It's a short novella, but it's enough to show the slow, mundane living of an Irish man, his day to day job as he cares for his family by working as a coal and timber merchant, and the hidden attrocities performed by the Catholic Church.
Any writings that bring forth what the Church has covered over the years, and the people's complicit silence make me question human's love for their neighbour. However, Bill comes to understand that no day is worth living if one doesn't help his fellow human.
It's a quick read, but full of depth and humanity. It sure made me wonder what awaited Bill and Sarah, the girl he rescues from the convent. The novella shines light over the quiet heroism of a simple man faced with the huge hidden sins of the Catholic Church and its parishioners.
I received a free ebook copy of the book from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
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