Small Things Like These (Oprah's Book Club)

Exquisite writing, but I was disappointed by the brevity of the book. I'll just have to read it again a few more times to get my money's worth - something that I'll happily do.

This book is heart felt and well written . Read in one sitting. Will remain on my mind and in my thoughts for a longtime too come. Highly recommended 10/10 .

Before you read this be aware that as it is a short story almost any review of it will include spoilers. My suggestion to you is to read the book before you read any reviews, it is a good book.This book is about Furlong a man born out of wedlock in Ireland during the dark days when unmarried girls were ‘sent away’. Many of whom ended up in the ‘care’ of nuns who sold their babies and used the young women as unpaid skivvies. Furlongs’ mother, however, was lucky to work for a rich woman who let her stay in work at her home and bring up Furlong there.The story starts years later when Furlong is a successful man with a coal delivery business and a family. During a delivery to the nuns, he sees where those more unfortunate young women and up.The story is compelling and has the feeling of a true story. I immediately liked Furlong as a man who is successful despite the local prejudice about those born in his circumstances just by being hard working and easy going.The book ends just as I felt the real story was just beginning but I presume that was the point. Furlong makes a decision that will change, not only his life but that of an entire community.In summary this was a great read that I had to force myself not to read in one go as I wanted to savour it.