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

**Tom Kettle**  
The protagonist, a retired police officer struggling with his past and personal trauma, whose perspective is central to the narrative.

**June**  
Tom’s wife, remembered for her physical beauty and spirit, who played a significant role in shaping their family.

**Winnie and Joe**  
Tom and June's children, noted for their distinct personalities and pursuits, who are central to the mystery surrounding their past.

**Billy Drury**  
Tom’s long-term police partner and close friend, remembered for his detailed work and supportive relationship with Tom.

**Mr. Tomelty**  
Tom’s landlord, characterized by his wealth, gardening habits, and ambiguous presence between reality and imagination.

**Mrs. Tomelty**  
Seen as a gentle and spiritual presence, whose interactions with Tom hint at the novel's blending of reality and fantasy.

**Miss McNulty and Jesse**  
Tom’s neighbors representing societal struggles, as she and her son navigate the impacts of societal failures.

**Ronnie McGillicuddy/“The Cellist”**  
A mysterious figure associated with the atmospheric backdrop of the story, whose music and presence influence Tom's experiences.

**Father Thaddeus Matthews and Father Byrne**  
Priests representing individual and systemic evils, central to the narrative's exploration of institutional corruption and abuse.

**Wilson and O’Casey**  
Officers from Tom’s past division, whose presence brings his history into focus and contrasts with his past partnership.

**Detective Superintendent Fleming**  
Tom’s former superior, connecting past and present investigations and reflecting on hierarchies within the police force.

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore Old God's Time reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Book Brief Old God's Time

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Old God's Time and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Old God's Time Summary and Study Guide

Background

Old God's Time Background

chapter

chapterType

section

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

character

Character Analysis

Old God's Time Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Old God's Time Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Old God's Time Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Old God's Time Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Old God's Time Essay Topics

Sebastian Barry

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

old-gods-time

Old God's Time

Book Brief

Old God's Time

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Old God's Time?