NPR's Book of the Day
'Small Things Like These' draws from the true story of Ireland's Magdalene Laundries
Jan 8, 2025
Claire Keegan, a celebrated author known for her novella 'Small Things Like These', discusses the painful legacy of Ireland's Magdalene Laundries. The conversation reveals Bill Furlong's emotional journey as he confronts historical injustices. Keegan reflects on the challenges of writing a male protagonist in a women-centered narrative while exploring themes of misogyny and agency. She also shares insights into her writing process, the significance of short storytelling, and how her rural upbringing fuels her creativity.
10:16
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Quick takeaways
- Claire Keegan's disciplined writing process emphasizes the importance of concise storytelling, ensuring every word in her narratives holds emotional weight.
- The novella 'Small Things Like These' addresses societal injustices related to the Magdalene Laundries, highlighting a male protagonist's confrontation with hidden exploitation in his community.
Deep dives
The Writer's Process of Timeliness and Precision
Authors often grapple with knowing when a story is complete, and Claire Keegan's approach highlights her desire for precision in writing. She emphasizes the importance of paring down sentences to ensure that every word serves a purpose, avoiding any unnecessary embellishments. This ruthlessness in editing aligns with her belief that stories should be concise and impactful, resonating emotionally with readers. By constantly questioning her choices, she maintains a disciplined writing process that allows her to end stories when she feels she has conveyed enough without over-explaining.
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