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Old God's Time

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Old God's Time

By: Sebastian Barry
Narrated by: Stephen Hogan
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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 Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction World Literature Native American Emotionally Gripping Heartfelt Inspiring Tear-jerking
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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)
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You need to be ready to savour atmosphere, character, detail, memories and yearnings painted meticulously, sensitively over many chapters and calm your impatience to find out what once happened or what is going to happen. The rewards are marvellous.

Stephen Hogan's reading is an richly empathetic performance with perfect judgement of varying the register throughout.

Not a page turner

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If you’re wondering if this is any good, it is. It’s by Sebastian Barry. If you haven’t read anything by Sebastian Barry, what’s taken you so long? Narration excellent .

It’s a good’un

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Poetically written and superbly read.
At times a little slow moving but always engrossing with a very admirable protagonist.

Beautifully written story

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This is one of the best stories I have ever heard. The characters are intricate and balanced and the writing is simply beautiful. I was carried along by the prosaic writing, almost poetic at times. I am a lifelong admirer of the work of Salman Rushdie and the writer's use of language in this book is easily on par with it. Enjoyed immensely. I have ordered several other of the authors books and looks forward to immersing myself in them.

Absolutely breathtaking

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This is a gentle unfolding of tragic stories in the life of a retired Irish policeman. With its backdrop being the horrific sexual abuses committed by priests in Ireland, it is primarily a love story that has elements of a detective novel to it. The writer has created authentic characters who will remain with you till long after you have finished the book.

Unfolding

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