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Old God's Time

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

From the two-time Booker Prize finalist author, a dazzlingly written novel exploring memory, grief, and long-buried secrets

Retired policeman Tom Kettle is enjoying the quiet of his new home, a lean-to annexed to a white Victorian Castle in Dalkey overlooking the sea. For months he has barely seen a soul, but his peace is interrupted when two former colleagues turn up at his door to ask questions about a decades-old case. A traumatic case which Tom never quite came to terms with.

His peace is further disturbed by a young mother and family who move in next door, a woman on the run from her own troubles. And what of Tom’s family, his wife June, and their two children?

Old God’s Time is a beautiful, haunting novel in which everything is not quite what it seems—a novel about what we live through, what we live with, and what may survive us.

©2023 Sebastian Barry (P)2023 Faber & Faber
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What listeners say about Old God's Time

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

I have never’ look like this.

The interior, life of the main character is so beautifully. and thoroughly add imagistic, magically drawn I could not leave his world. Thank you to the author.

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11 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

Very well written but depressing

Not a book to read if you need a mood booster. And not a good casual listen as you have to pay attention to follow the story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautiful Writing

This beautifully written story depicts the inner dialogue of an old retired police officer as he contemplates his life, his loves and his many losses.
Stephen Hogan’s narration is perfect. Despite the many positive things about this piece of literature, be prepared for it’s depiction of heartbreaking loss.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating

The narrator’s lovely voice and accent draw you in to this story. You co inhabit the interior life of this retired Irish cop, as the mystery slowly unfolds. Real and surreal at the same time. Give it time. Be patient. Savor the writing which is astounding and poetic.

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10 people found this helpful

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Exquisite

A sad story told in the warmest, most beautiful words. A reminder of what a gift sweet memories are, even when bad things happen.

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8 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Such beauty

The most beautiful story about grief I have ever heard. The voicing of Hogan was a perfect fit and made for a stunning experience.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Astonishingly

Barry’s writing and descent to the deepest human realms mesmerizes, sorrows and reminds us of our deep, complex and beautiful humanity.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Insightful reflections on personal loss

This new work from Barry is superficially about a retired police detective following a cold case. Tom Kettle's reflection on his life, losses, and accountability outside of the law transcends experiences unique to policing.

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18 people found this helpful

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Sad and deeply moving

Beautiful poetic prose. The narration was lovely and a fitting reflection of this sorrowful story.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Read ALL the reviews

Well written. Haven’t finished and may not. Lots of graphics descriptions of catholic priests’ above of children. Hard to get through.

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