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Claire Keegan: Small Things Like These (2021, Grove/Atlantic, Incorporated) 5 stars

Shortlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize

"A hypnotic and electrifying Irish tale that transcends country, …

Not for me

3 stars

Novella about a man who grew up the son of an unwed mother in 1940s Ireland. Mainly concerning his inner life as he goes about the daily grind of life, and how something in him changes after some chance encounters at the local nunnery (aka Magdalen Laundry). This one was not for me. The writing was fine, and the topic something I feel strongly about, but I didn’t enjoy this nor did it elicit any strong feelings in me. Found it vaguely tedious.