Oprah Winfrey reveals her newest Book Club pick: 'Small Things Like These' by Claire Keegan

Oprah Winfrey unveils her latest Book Club selection, "Small Things Like These," a powerful story set in 1985 Ireland. She and author Claire Keegan join "CBS Mornings" to discuss the book.

Each weekday morning, "CBS Mornings" co-hosts Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson bring you the latest breaking news, smart conversation and in-depth feature reporting. "CBS Mornings" airs weekdays at 7 a.m. on CBS and stream it at 8 a.m. ET on the CBS News app.

[RStewartRStewart]

Let Claire speak!!!! Shut up panel!! How embarrassing.

[margohannon]

Thank you CBS Gale, Oprah and kudos to fellow Irish girl Claire Keegan!!! 🎄✨ Beyond excited to unwrap a very special gift this Christmas! I can’t wait to dive into this powerful story.

Set in 1980s Ireland, the book follows Bill, a man who courageously speaks up against the injustices of the Magdalene laundries in his small town. This resonates deeply with me, especially as I reflect on my own experiences as a COVID whistleblower in the health care service. Over the past few years, I’ve thought a lot about not just what drives people to speak out, but also what enables a culture of silence—fear of reprisal, lack of mandatory reporting, and inadequate safeguarding laws.

Keegan’s masterpiece is more than just a story; it’s a reminder of how critical it is to foster a society where speaking out is encouraged, supported, and heard. We still have a long way to go, particularly in Irish institutional settings, where issues of transparency and safeguarding remain urgent—especially for older people and those with disabilities.

Kudos to Claire Keegan for bringing this vital story to light and to everyone who’s helped give it the global stage it deserves. For anyone who hasn’t read Small Things Like These yet, I highly recommend it—not just for its stunning prose, but for its timely message about courage, accountability, and justice. 🌟

And for movie lovers, don’t miss the recently released adaptation starring the incredible fellow Corkonion Cillian Murphy. This story is a call to action for all of us. Let’s keep working toward a culture where every voice matters. 💪

[NC-qcwd]

I am shocked that the author was not able to speak. How rude and just put a picture of her on the wall

[margohannon]

Thank you, Claire Keegan, for such a meaningful contribution to literature. I'm eagerly looking forward to reading this book and watching the movie, especially after Oprah's glowing recommendation. Her book club podcast and interview with the young girls in my local Starbucks in gorgeous Bray seafront, County Wicklow, were fantastic highlights! It's true that Irish society has made great progress, but there’s still significant work needed in my own lived experience, in ensuring the rights of people with disabilities and safeguarding those in residential care. Ireland is the last country in Europe to ratify the United Nations Convention of Rights for People with Disabilities just last week (#UNCRPD) on 30/11/24. I agree that conversations sparked by works like this are crucial, and they truely pave the way for a brighter future for Ireland.

Margo (Irish COVID whistleblower looking for an author!) ❤

[cherylrleigh]

The Author:
Claire Keegan (born 1968) is an Irish writer known for her short stories, which have been published in The New Yorker, Best American Short Stories, Granta, and The Paris Review. She is also known for her novellas, two of which have been adapted as films.

The Novel:
Small Things like These is a historical fiction novel by Claire Keegan, published on 30 November 2021 by Grove Press. In 2022, the book won the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction, and was shortlisted for the Rathbones Folio Prize and the Booker Prize. It was adapted into a film of the same name starring Cillian Murphy, premiered in 15 February 2024, and began a wide release beginning in Ireland and the United Kingdom on 1 November 2024, with the United States releasing the film a week later on 8 November 2024.

The Film
Small Things like These is a 2024 historical drama film directed by Tim Mielants and adapted by Enda Walsh from the 2021 novel by Claire Keegan. The film stars Cillian Murphy (who also serves as a producer), Eileen Walsh, Michelle Fairley, Emily Watson, Clare Dunne, and Helen Behan. An international co-production between Ireland and Belgium, its plot focuses on the infamous Magdalene Laundries in Ireland.

Small Things like These had its world premiere at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival on 15 February 2024, and was released in Ireland and the United Kingdom on 1 November 2024. It received positive reviews from critics.

Source Wikipedia

[hnc]

I read this book when I was in London 2 years ago. It's beautiful.

[janetcobb]

is it possible that Oprah doesn’t know the film Philomena with Dame Judy Dench??

[ikchuks]

It must be a thrill for the Author to listen to these brilliant folk dissect her little 'big' book. 👏

[brucemaclean]

A must watch is the 2002 film The Magdalene Sisters.

[HeatherBrophy]

1996 is crazy. Thanks for the book recommendation. If it's from Oprahs book club, there's a good chance it's a page Turner.

[mykephit]

I had a major misprint with my copy of Familiaris, and the publisher agreed to send me a new copy, and I'm still reading that!

[katford]

Loved her book “The Quiet Girl” as well.

[Alia-togs]

Thank you! Your insights are so accurate and true. I am over sixty and I love myself more now than I ever have. Loving all of who I am and standing proud! You are a brave and honest woman for sharing your insights. Thank you.
On another note: What the hell is going on with the comments?

[Itsal_Linda_mind]

Why aren’t they letting the author speak? So much interrupting :/

[wildoceanappaloosawomangay]

Going to read it

Named one of my children Oprah because of how she has made this a better world she has reached throughout the world with her kindness

[Ladyofshalott]

Already read!! And the movie is there!! (With Cillian Murphy)!!!

[beckystout]

Late to the party on this book, Oprah! Also read Foster (movie called the Quiet Girl).
Claire is a fabulous writer.

[leciaschall]

There is also a fabulous video series called the Woman Behind the Wall which addresses the morbidity and trauma of those who had to give up their children to the Magdalena laundries.

[katford]

It would have been wonderful to actually hear from Claire instead of these interviewers blathering on and on.

[carljcreighton]

I thought the green was for Ireland but turns out it was for Starbucks