For a slip of a book, readable in one sitting, this packs an extraordinary punch.
It is Christmas 1985 and Bill Furlong, coal merchant and father of 4 (?) girls, is living in a small Irish town in the shadow of the powerful convent – and laundry. Money is tight and his daughter’s prospects are tied to the education the convent offers, but one morning making a delivery he makes a discovery of wrongdoing at the convent towards the women in the laundry. Does he speak up at the definite cost to his livelihood and family, or does he stay silent and live with what he knows?
This book is simply beautiful. Much of it accounts for Bill’s daily life and the writing is so good that even this compels, but it is the completely true sense of character with which Bill faces his situation that shines. Keegan gives us no wordy ethical wrangling, no lengthy dark nights of the soul but instead almost studied avoidance that leaves you wondering with Bill, desperate to know what he will do. The book ends with sledgehammer power and some vivid scenes that will stay with me for a very long time.
Winner of The Orwell Prize for Political Fiction, shortlisted for the Booker, there is nothing small about what’s explored in this book. Grow your heart in 128 pages.
Room of Joy 