Sunday, 12 March 2023

It doesn't happen very often, but sometimes you read a book that is simply perfect. As indeed was Claire Keegan's more recent novella Small Things Like These. Last night she left me feeling awestruck that writing can be as good as this; she tears your heart out in a 'long short story' that I read in an hour. And then I watched the equally perfect Irish-language film adaptation - The Quiet Girl - which left me gulping a massive lump in my throat; it richly deserves the Oscar that I'm sure it will win tonight.
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10 comments:

  1. callmemadam13 March 2023 at 14:35

    A friend recommended Small Things like These. I loved it and wasn't ready for it to end. A really beautiful book. Now, I need to look out for this one.

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  2. Mary13 March 2023 at 15:07

    Equally lovely, callmemadam - such a brilliantly gifted writer. Shame that the film didn't get an Oscar last night - so much for my predictions! I suppose quiet emotion doesn't really cut it in Hollywood!

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  3. Vronni's Style Meanderings13 March 2023 at 18:58

    Such a wonderful writer. I'd read 'Foster' before 'Small Things like These' and loved them both. I want to see 'The Quiet Girl...
    xxx

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  4. Mary13 March 2023 at 21:07

    I was wondering if you'd read them, Vronni. I'm sure you'll love the film. I couldn't help thinking how my Irish mum would have loved it all; would have been Mother's Day sorted if she were still here.

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  5. sarah25 March 2023 at 10:29

    Thank you, Mary, for your recommendation of Claire Keegan. I am not sure how or why she wasn't on my radar but I am so pleased she is now. A busy few days ahead mean I am unable to visit the cinema where A Quiet Girl is being screened, but just for the weekend.
    Sarah

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  6. Mary25 March 2023 at 14:19

    So glad you enjoyed the book and I hope you catch the film later, Sarah. Are you in Ireland? It seems to have disappeared from cinemas here.

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  7. sarah25 March 2023 at 16:37

    No,not Ireland, sadly, but like you I had an Irish mother. I live a shortish drive from Chichester which has a fabulous independent cinema.

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  8. Mary25 March 2023 at 16:41

    Fingers crossed that it'll come round again!

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  9. Anonymous28 March 2023 at 19:06

    Both wonderful and why it did not win is a mystery or maybe not as you said.

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  10. Mary28 March 2023 at 19:13

    The winner was All Quiet on the Western Front, which I haven't seen - but no doubt is on quite a different scale.

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