Originally published in 2021.

Includes bibliographical references.

Small things like these: Set in a small Irish town in 1985, this powerful novella follows Bill Furlong, a coal merchant, husband, and father who discovers a deeply disturbing secret while making a delivery to the local convent shortly before Christmas. His encounter forces him to confront the harsh reality of the Magdalene institutions and the suffering of women and girls who were placed under their control. As Bill struggles with whether to remain silent like the rest of his community or act according to his conscience, he must weigh the potential consequences for himself and his family against his sense of moral responsibility. Through Bill's quiet but courageous dilemma, Claire Keegan explores compassion, social conformity, poverty, religious authority, injustice, and the transformative power of seemingly small acts of kindness and courage.