Old God's Time cover art

Old God's Time

 Preview

Get 30 days of Standard free

£5.99/mo after trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options

Old God's Time

By: Sebastian Barry
Narrated by: Stephen Hogan
Try for £0.00

£5.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for £13.44

Buy Now for £13.44

LIMITED TIME OFFER

£0.99/mo for 3 months - terms apply. Offer ends 24 August 2026.

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
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1

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)
All stars
Most relevant
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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This is one of the best books I've listened to this year and I listen a lot.
Sebastian Barry is one of my favourite modern authors, and this is one of his best novels.
A devastatingly sad story, yet full of love.
Perfectly performed, I mustn't forget to state that as well.



Heartbreakingly beautiful

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
A beautiful, carefully crafted, gently lyrical story which packs an artful punch. harrowing at points but tenderly rendered. Powerful and resonant performance.

A beautiful, carefully-crafted novel.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
could be triggering for some people. very beautifully written . strong characters and very sad. Very moving .

very sad tale , beautiful language , very moving

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The gentle development of the deeply moving story, excellently narrated, it drew me in completely.

Amazing and wonderful

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews