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Time of the Child

By: Niall Williams
Narrated by: Dermot Crowley
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Summary

Bloomsbury presents Time of the Child by Niall Williams, read by Dermot Crowley

"I am such a fan of Niall Williams." —Ann Patchett, New York Times bestselling author of Tom Lake

From the author of This Is Happiness, a compassionate, life-affirming novel about the Christmas season that transforms the small Irish town of Faha.

Doctor Jack Troy was born and raised in Faha, but his responsibilities for the sick and his care for the dying mean he has always been set apart from the town. His eldest daughter, Ronnie, has grown up in her father’s shadow, and remains there, having missed one chance at love – and passed up another offer of marriage from an unsuitable man.

But in the Advent season of 1962, as the town readies itself for Christmas, Ronnie and Doctor Troy’s lives are turned upside down when a baby is left in their care. As the winter passes, father and daughter’s lives, the understanding of their family, and their role in their community are changed forever.

Set over the course of one December in the same village as Williams’ beloved This Is Happiness, Time of the Child is a tender return to Faha for readers who know its charms, and a heartwarming welcome to new readers entering for the very first time.

©2024 Niall Williams (P)2024 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
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A delightful read

The narrative. Every sentence is a delight. The story is interesting but it's the details about each scene and the way the characters develop that I particularly enjoyed.

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I didn't want it to finish.

My first encounter with the work of Niall Williams but certainly not my last. The story is absorbing and moving; the writing at times nearer to poetry than prose. The narration is just superb.

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A beautiful, touching story

A beautiful exploration of how life can surprise and reactions are not always as expected. The picture painted of Ireland in the sixties was very evocative.

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Exquisite prose

As usual from Niall Williams, literally marvellous prose. And the reading is faultless. A true privilege to know and to read.

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