56 pages 1 hour read

Sebastian Barry

Old God's Time

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry, Tom Kettle, a retired police detective living in a quiet Irish seaside town, is thrust back into his traumatic past as he becomes involved in a present-day investigation into crimes committed by priests, triggering complex memories and reflections on his life, including deeply entrenched themes of trauma, violence, and the passage of time. This source material contains depictions of physical and sexual violence against minors, suicide, drug abuse, terrorism, violence, and murder.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Sebastian Barry's Old God's Time is praised for its lyrical prose and compelling narrative, but some readers found its pacing slow. Barry's portrayal of complex characters and haunting themes resonate strongly, though a few noted that the intricate storyline occasionally felt convoluted. Overall, it's a powerful, emotional journey for fans of literary fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Old God's Time?

A reader who relishes introspective narratives and complex character studies will treasure Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry. Fans of Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day or Marilynne Robinson's Gilead will find a similarly profound exploration of memory, loss, and redemption in this poignant, lyrical tale.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Irish Literature

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Identity: Mental Health

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil