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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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About this listen

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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If you enjoyed the Secret Scripture, you will appreciate and enjoy this. Indeed, you will note the many little references to the earlier work. It is not quite a sequel though, more a continuation on several themes. In the sole voice of ex-detective Tom, questions of memory, trauma and coming to terms with an often confused past are explored. The trauma in the Secret Scripture arose out of the civil war, here it is the experience of boys and girls within institutional care and the abuse many of them had to endure. Not an easy read, then, but you will be well rewarded. Once again, Barry's wonderful prose is given life by Stephen Hogan.

If you enjoyed the Secret Scripture

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could be triggering for some people. very beautifully written . strong characters and very sad. Very moving .

very sad tale , beautiful language , very moving

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Brilliantly read. A mesmerising listen which takes you into your own soul. No wonder this book has won so many awards.

The language. Oh, the language!

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Another phenomenal book by Sebastian Barry. He writes so beautifully with such a delicate turn of phrase. I did have to keep stopping to take in all of the story, which was difficult to hear sometimes. What lives he created, vividly told and richly described.

Incredibly beautiful

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Such a difficult read, but oh, what a great story. I thought at one point I wasn't going to be able to complete the book, the subject matter being so difficult, but really pleased I did. The story and the reading of it will stay with me for a long time.

The great emotion in the reading

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Poetic writing covering love, loss, heartache and retribution. Fantastic narration which echoed every emotion and sentiment. Deliberately unclear whether some emotions and memories are real or remembered so listened twice (back-to-back) - and it was just as mesmerising and enjoyable the second time as it was the first.

Sublime

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Wonderful imagery. Initially I found it difficult to get into the “stream of consciousness” style but worth the effort since it proved to be a deeply moving narrative. Great narrator.

Initially the style was perplexing but ultimately really moving

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Not so humdrum. Different to your every day read. Like stepping into someone else’s mind, as they near the end of their journey.

Loved the story and the way it was shared

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gripping and beautiful, a good story extremely well narrated. Tough listening at times. Worth it

truely beautiful and powerful writing

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I, like many others, felt I was sinking in the soft beauty of his prose which often verged on the poetic. Love immersing myself in his books. Can’t wait for the next offering from his pen.

So dad, but so beautifully written

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