KG_SMMA 's Key Ideas from Small Things Like These (Oprah's Book Club)
by Claire Keegan

Silence in the face of injustice is a form of complicity.

Everyday people, like Bill Furlong, can become heroes through their choices.

Furlong’s internal conflict shows how guilt shapes our moral compass.

Our upbringing influences our character, but it doesn’t define our future.

Seeing others’ struggles can awaken our sense of humanity.

The story critiques institutions that abused power in Irish society.

Societal expectations often discourage standing out or speaking up.

Furlong’s decision to act reflects the transformative power of choice.

The cold, bleak setting mirrors the emotional and moral barrenness of the town.

Even in dark situations, hope can be found through small, compassionate actions.

The book highlights the struggles of the working class in 1980s Ireland.

The Magdalene laundries symbolize how women were mistreated and silenced.

Furlong’s love for his daughters motivates him to create a better example for them.

Gossip and fear of judgment can stifle moral action.

Hidden truths, like those of the convent, eventually demand confrontation.

Religious institutions that preach charity sometimes fail to practice it.

Furlong’s journey is about finding the courage to speak and act.

It’s the small, everyday choices that define our humanity.