"Small Things Like These" by Claire Keegan is one of 13 books nominated this year for the Booker Prize. The Irish author, Cleaire Keegan,  is primarily known as a short story writer and this book, at 128 pages can be classified as a novella. Perhaps because of its condensed length it packs an even bigger punch. Reviews have been generally positive with many remarking on the moral storytelling as being all the more impactful for taking place with a Christmas backdrop. The heroism demonstrated by Bill Furlong is understated and because of this perhaps comes across more powerfully.

The Times Literary Supplement wrote, "Keegan knows how to weigh and pace her sentences, and her fine judgement delivers many subtle pleasures ... [she] fully exploits the power of understatement." We follow the life story of William Furlong from his orphaned childhood through his growth, marriage, and family life. When he displays the bravery that brings into focus the moral clarity of this novella we are not surprised, but the quiet understated way in which Keegan relays it makes it all the more impactful.

The book is short and can be read in less than a couple of hours. It will stay with you for a much longer time. It's a rare book with an even rarer moral punch.