Sebastian Barry's Old God's Time is praised for its lyrical prose and compelling narrative, but some readers found its pacing slow. Barry's portrayal of complex characters and haunting themes resonate strongly, though a few noted that the intricate storyline occasionally felt convoluted. Overall, it's a powerful, emotional journey for fans of literary fiction.

A reader who relishes introspective narratives and complex character studies will treasure Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry. Fans of Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day or Marilynne Robinson's Gilead will find a similarly profound exploration of memory, loss, and redemption in this poignant, lyrical tale.

In Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry, Tom Kettle, a retired police detective living in a quiet Irish seaside town, is thrust back into his traumatic past as he becomes involved in a present-day investigation into crimes committed by priests, triggering complex memories and reflections on his life, including deeply entrenched themes of trauma, violence, and the passage of time. This source material contains depictions of physical and sexual violence against minors, suicide, drug abuse, terrorism, violence, and murder.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Mysterious / Emotional

Sebastian Barry

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

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Overview

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Old God's Time Summary and Study Guide

Background

Old God's Time Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Old God's Time Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

Old God's Time Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-10

Old God's Time Chapters 7-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-13

Old God's Time Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-17

Old God's Time Chapters 14-17 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Old God's Time Character Analysis

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Themes

Old God's Time Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Old God's Time Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Old God's Time Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Old God's Time Essay Topics

Old God's Time

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