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Old God's Time cover art

Old God's Time

By: Sebastian Barry
Narrated by: Stephen Hogan
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Publisher's Summary

THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER

TWICE WINNER OF THE COSTA BOOK OF THE YEAR

Tom Kettle, a retired policeman, and widower, is settling into the quiet of his new home in Dalkey, overlooking the sea. His solitude is interrupted when two former colleagues turn up at his door to ask about a traumatic, decades-old case. A case that Tom never quite came to terms with. And his peace is further disturbed when his new neighbour, a mysterious young mother, asks for his help.

A beautiful, haunting novel, in which nothing is quite as it seems, Old God's Time is an unforgettable exploration of family, loss and love

©2023 Sebastian Barry (P)2023 Faber Audio

Critic Reviews

"His work reminds us how much we need these rare gifts of the natural storyteller." (Tessa Hadley)

"Full of love and heartache, this is an unforgettable novel from one of our finest writers." (Douglas Stuart)

"Shocking, stunning and extraordinarily brave. Barry has once again written a character for the ages." (Liz Nugent)

What listeners say about Old God's Time

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  • Overall
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Extraordinary writing and masterful narration

I was transfixed throughout the superb reading of this deeply moving story. It had me in tears. I don’t know if many writers who can convey character so fully and do well resolved as Barry. He captures the era, the norms, the culture of a place and the human dilemma of people so brilliantly. I’m in his thrall.

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  • Overall
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Great book

Beautiful, heart breaking book. Booker Prize well deserved!! I recommend this book but note trigger warning re child sexual abuse.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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A powerful telling of an Irish tragedy

I'm grateful to Sebastian Barry for telling this story, while fictional, a truth all priests and men in power should acknowledge. I'm glad that such evil is highlighted here so powerfully.

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  • Overall
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Wow

Absolutely stunning writing. Hogan’s a marvellous wordsmith.
Warning: reader discretion is advised. A gut wrenching topic.

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    3 out of 5 stars

Great writing but not my “cup-of-tea”

It took a long time before I realised where the story was going. We’ll past halfway I had a short burst of interest, but not enough for me to feel this a riveting story. But I know lovers of SB will enjoy this novel

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Beautifully written and narrated

This book is so beautifully written, as all of Sebastian Barry’s books are. Great, but sad,story. Narrator was fabulous. Can’t recommend this book highly enough.

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Got a bit lost but lovely

At times I found it a bit confusing but I loved the phrasing and narration. I joy to listen as I walked my dog

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Sublime

Sebastian Barry joins tragedy, grief and existential joy more powerfully than anyone I can think of right now except perhaps Keats’ in his Ode on Melancholy. Over the top? Maybe, but right now that’s how it seems to me.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Of love, fate and human cruelty

The story was immeasurably sad as the retired detective deals with the blurring of present loneliness, past loss and the cruelty towards children by people that should be trusted. It is a story of honour. Worthy of its Booker Prize listing. A very Irish story.

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A love story

Barry’s character moves in and out of the past, in and out of reality in a moving love story. I could not put it down. Barry offers an unflinching reflection of the ongoing trauma caused by the church or adults who abuse little ones. Compelling story telling.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.