Small Things like These is a fascinating novel that focuses on the significance of humanity. The protagonist is Furlong, Eileen's husband and father to five daughters. Unlike the previous Christmas festivities, this year is harder economically. Furlong is a merchant dealer specializing in coal and timber, and he has about ten employees. Keegan depicts Furlong as a self-made person who works hard to achieve what he wants. For instance, Furlong still works in his company as an employee, and his primary task is making deliveries to different people and organizations. There is a flashback in the introductory pages showing readers that Furlong came from a low-income family. Furlong's mother died poor because she was a domestic worker who worked in the houses of wealthy people.
As the narrative continues, Furlong realizes that he is nearing forty years, but he does not see any changes in his body because he is always working and exercising. Furlong aims to make his wife and children happy by providing everything they need. As Christmas nears, Furlong leaves his employees at the timber yard to make deliveries to his loyal clients. One of Furlong's longtime loyal customers is the convent, where he supplies coal and timber. As Furlong makes his deliveries, his mind gets preoccupied with the recent experience when he interacted with a young girl from the covenant who asked him to help her escape. According to the girl, the convent is a hell of a place because the girls are subjected to child labor and mistreatment. Furlong feels guilty that he has done nothing to help the girls in the covenant by confronting the nuns and telling them to be humane.
However, before Furlong confronts the nuns, he must carefully consider his business interests with the convent because it is among his biggest customers. Without a doubt, confronting the nuns can lead to his contract termination, and he will lose a lot of money. On the other hand, remaining silent will make him feel guilty for not taking action to help the girls. Furlong discusses his intentions with his wife, but she rubbishes his decision and tells him to mind his business. Furlong reflects on his background and decides to confront the nun at the expense of his business. Firstly, he helps the girl escape and takes the issue of girls' suffering head-on with the nuns. Consequently, Small Things like These is a novel that emphasizes compassion and humanity, the attributes that are well depicted by Furlong.
