In a Nutshell Reviews - Novella Edition

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Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Published by Grove Press on November 30, 2021
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction

Goodreads

"A hypnotic and electrifying Irish tale that transcends country, transcends time." —Lily King, New York Times bestselling author of Writers & Lovers

Small Things Like These is award-winning author Claire Keegan's landmark new novel, a tale of one man's courage and a remarkable portrait of love and family

It is 1985 in a small Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and family man faces into his busiest season. Early one morning, while delivering an order to the local convent, Bill makes a discovery which forces him to confront both his past and the complicit silences of a town controlled by the church.

An international bestseller, Small Things Like These is a deeply affecting story of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy from one of our most critically lauded and iconic writers.

I kept seeing this one pop up on lists during Novella November. All the high ratings convinced me that I NEEDED to read this book, and I am glad I did.

This was a quiet story in which I met Bill Furlong. He was a local business owner, married with five daughters. He worked hard and had an ability to get on with most everyone. But after an encounter with a young women up at the convent, he grew troubled and grappled with what the right decision was versus what the safe decision was.

This story is set in Ireland during the mid-eighties when the Magdalene laundries were still in existence. I have read about this dark part of Ireland's history before, but Small Things Like These was one of the most moving accounts. It was probably less graphic than others I have read, but it was way the story was told that set it apart as it was told from an outsider's perspective rather than someone in the laundries. 

However, Bill wasn't any old outsider, he was a man who had been born to an unwed mother. He could have been one of those Magdalene laundry babies, but he wasn't due to one woman's kindness. The woman's actions shaped Bill into the man he became and had a profound impact on the choices he would make.

Keegan did a beautiful job crafting Bill Furlong. He had a big heart and committed small acts of kindness often. These acts were casually mentioned throughout the story and became meaningful when he was faced with what he found at the convent. I appreciated his struggle with what was right and wrong here, and his willingness to challenge some of the accepted ideas. 

Overall: A quiet and moving tale. 

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How to Save a Life by Kristin Harmel
Published by Pocket Star on April 25, 2016
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads

Groundhog Day meets Grey’s Anatomy in this heartfelt novella with a hint of magic from the internationally bestselling author of The Sweetness of Forgetting and The Life Intended, in which a woman with only a short time to live discovers she can repeat the same day over and over until her life feels complete.

When a pediatric oncology nurse receives a devastating prognosis—she has just weeks left to live—she finds unexpected comfort from a patient. Her young friend shares a life- and death-changing secret: it is possible to live the same day over and over again until she’s experienced a truly full life. Thus begins a heartbreaking and joyful journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery, as the brave nurse only truly learns how to live in the face of death. Kristin Harmel, whose work has been called “immersive and evocative” (Publishers Weekly), “absorbing…well-paced and warmhearted” (Kirkus Reviews), and “absolutely enthralling” (Fresh Fiction), infuses her poignant, uplifting novella with a dash of magic and a hefty dose of heart.

As a pediatric oncology nurse, Jill faced death on a daily basis, but now, she must face her own. 

This is a time-loop book where the terminally ill were given a chance to relive a day until they "fixed" things. It was their chance to right the wrongs so that they could die without regrets. Jill had some relationships to mend while also allowing herself to open her heart. She navigates this time loop with the help of three of her patients who have quite an impact on her. 

Obviously, a book about dying people will be emotional, but this story was bursting with love and gratitude and there were quite a few humorous moments as well. It's the type of story that makes you stop and reflect on your own life. 

This story also surprised me. I did NOT see that ending coming at ALL! It had me crying, but they were happy-ish tears. There was something really special about what Harmel did, and the more I think about it, the more I love it.

Overall, a beautiful and touching story that reminds us the important things in our lives.

Have you read any good novellas?
Let us know in the comments!