Small Things Like These Summary

In 1985, a small Irish town prepares for Christmas. The story revolves around Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant who is a devoted family man with five daughters. During this busy season, he reflects on his troubled childhood as an illegitimate child. Bill's mother, a domestic worker shunned by society, received help from a Protestant widow, Mrs. Wilson. This connection to his past deeply influences Bill, who yearns for understanding and acceptance.

As he goes about his deliveries, Bill frequently visits the convent run by the Good Shepherd nuns, which looms over the town. The community hears rumors concerning harsh treatment and neglect toward the troubled girls living there. Initially, Bill brushes these tales aside; however, as he makes more deliveries, he becomes increasingly unsettled by the truth behind the convent's walls.

One day, during a delivery, Bill catches sight of young girls scrubbing floors. Their disheveled haircuts and bare feet reveal the harsh realities within the convent. A distraught girl approaches him, pleading for help and expressing thoughts of self-harm. This startling encounter shakes Bill, who feels a growing sense of helplessness as he leaves the convent carrying the weight of her pain.

Later, Bill shares his findings with his wife, Eileen. She urges him to dismiss any concerns regarding the convent and to focus on their daughters' futures. Frustrated with her complacency, Bill poses a challenge: how would Eileen feel if their daughters suffered such injustices? Eileen believes their privileged status protects them and stays firm in her stance to look away from the suffering of others.

With Christmas nearing, Bill’s routine takes a disturbing turn when he discovers a shivering girl hiding in the convent’s coal shed. He offers her his jacket, showing kindness when the nuns demonstrate indifference. While inside, the Mother Superior tries to trivialize the situation, compelling the girl to claim she was just playing a game. However, Bill's sense of unease only grows stronger, confirming his concerns about the convent's cruelty.

He learns the girl's name, Sarah, which resonates deeply with Bill; Sarah is also his mother’s name. This connection prompts Bill to act despite the risks to his standing in the community. Rather than conforming to societal blinds, he feels an awakening, driven by his past struggles and emerging empathy for the girls.

Through Bill's experiences, the story illustrates the internal battle of an ordinary man confronting institutional cruelty while dealing with the heavy social constraints of 1980s Ireland. The narrative highlights the essential yet small acts of kindness that can make a significant impact in their lives. Bill ultimately embraces responsibility, showcasing how courage can reflect in one's choice to care, even when faced with daunting circumstances during the holiday season.

In Small Things Like These, the story reaches a crucial moment when Bill Furlong discovers Sarah, a young girl locked in a coal shed at the local convent. She is dirty and frightened, which pulls at Bill's heart. Moved by compassion, he decides to rescue her, rejecting the expectations of his community and the church. This choice shifts the course of his life, putting morality above conformity.

The conclusion leaves its readers with an open ending. While we see Bill take a brave action, the story does not explore what happens next. It hints at the possibilities of change and hope for Sarah’s future, but also suggests challenges may arise. Bill’s courage stands out against the backdrop of a harsh, judgmental small town.

This ending portrays the shifting tides of power within the church in 1980s Ireland. Bill's internal struggle highlights a quiet yet significant act of heroism. Ultimately, his decision starts a journey of consequences, blending hope with uncertainty, and showcasing that real change is initiated through small yet meaningful actions.