Great literature makes the reader think. As I read the last sentences, my mind was racing forward to what Bill Furlong's wife would say, what the townspeople would say, and, finally, why didn't the author tell us more? After careful analysis, Claire Keegan ended the story there so readers could put themselves into the picture and evaluate their willingness to chance to do what was right. Brilliant.
This is a little gem of a story. It is long enough to cover the subject and short enough to leave unanswered questions. This gives the reader a front-row seat in the decision-making.
Bill Furlong's meager beginnings play a significant role in his decisions. Those beginnings are what give Bill the gumption to do what is right. At first, I worried about how Bill would explain his actions to his wife. However, I remembered a regular refrain in the book, "Bill, is something bothering you?" As close couples often do, they sense when something is happening within their partner. I suspect Eileen knew Bill was troubled and begged him to give voice to it. Instead, Bill acted.
This is a little gem of a story. It is long enough to cover the subject and short enough to leave unanswered questions. This gives the reader a front-row seat in the decision-making.
Bill Furlong's meager beginnings play a significant role in his decisions. Those beginnings are what give Bill the gumption to do what is right. At first, I worried about how Bill would explain his actions to his wife. However, I remembered a regular refrain in the book, "Bill, is something bothering you?" As close couples often do, they sense when something is happening within their partner. I suspect Eileen knew Bill was troubled and begged him to give voice to it. Instead, Bill acted.
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