#32 in Historical fiction
Small Things Like These
- 87
- Pages
- about 1.5 h
- Reading time
- NYT bestseller · 1 week on the list
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About the book
Small Things like These is a historical fiction novella by Claire Keegan, published on 21 October 2021 by Faber and Faber. In 2022, the book won the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction, and was shortlisted for the Rathbones Folio Prize and the Booker Prize. It was adapted into a film of the same name starring Cillian Murphy.
Where the score comes from
The sources average 8.1 across 832 ratings. With that many, the reader vote carries 82% of the weight and the score stays at 8.1 — the Historical fiction average of 7.9 barely moves it.
| Source | Average | Ratings | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Library | 8.5 | 15 | 2% |
| Hardcover | 8.1 | 817 | 98% |
Reader voices
The most-liked reviews on Hardcover (credited to their authors).
“This was my first book in many years, and I could see what the book was trying to explore, themes of complacency, moral responsibility, and the question of what we do when faced with a choice between self-interest and taking action. I appreciated the quiet way these ideas were presented and how the story focused on internal conflict rather than dramatic events. However, for me, the book felt as though I was reading toward the final page expecting something more to happen. The restrained style meant the payoff didn't fully land for me, and I finished the book feeling slightly underwhelmed. But…”
“Wonderfully cosy yet powerful short story that was very pleasant to read approaching the festive season. Addressing and condemning the ability of people to ignore the suffering of those less fortunate, through the misguided belief that they are a "different" kind of people compared to themselves. The writing is the star of this book above all, highlighting the beauty in simple everyday things and people in ways that invoke vivid imagery that forces you to feel. I particularly enjoy the use of weather throughout the book, the pervasive cold of the Catholic church contrasted with the empathetic…”
Frequently asked
What is Small Things Like These rated?
8.1 out of 10, from 832 reader ratings across 2 independent sources.
Is Small Things Like These worth reading?
Readers give it 8.1/10 from 832 ratings, which puts it ahead of 74 % of the Historical fiction shelf.
How long does it take to read Small Things Like These?
About 1.5 hours at an average reading pace — 87 pages.
Where does Small Things Like These rank?
#32 in Historical fiction on the current snapshot.
Was Small Things Like These a bestseller?
Yes — 1 weeks on the New York Times list, peaking at #13. Sales are shown here but never scored.
How long is Small Things Like These?
It has 87 pages — shorter than 99% of the ranked books in Historical fiction.
If you liked this
The same shelf — Historical fiction — and a score of 8.1, the closest to this book.
