Review: Old God's Time (Audiobook)
By Sebastian Barry (Narrated by Stephen Hogan)
This wonderful art of fiction is a factual yet sad depiction of the world. Based in Ireland the book explores the deep dark corners of abuses endured by the defenceless. Being a fellow victim himself the lead character Tom feels the need to protect the ones around him. The book emulates a range of emotions that can make or break a human being. But Tom carries on with life with such dignity despite the fact that his confidence is betrayed upon by the people closest to him. I really loved the language that was used describe even the simplest of events. And I especially enjoyed the narration by Stephen Hogan. His voice kept the Guinness guzzling Irish essence of this book intact!
Overall rating: 4.1/5 - heartbreaking in a splendid way
About the Author:
Famous Irish Novelist, Playwright and Poet Sebastian Barry had won 2016 Costa book of the year award . He manages to address the major social issues in his books while keeping true to his Irish values. Some of his popular works are:
Days Without End
The Secret Scripture
A Thousand Moons
Further Critique:
The imperative storyline addresses child abuse and trauma by people with position of power. It later reveals how such abuse victims rebuild their lives despite of what they went through.
Interesting word choices:
Contemporaneous - existing/occurring at same period
Conjutate - changing the inflection of a word
Egregious - shocking
Character Profile:
Significant Characters: Tom Kettle, June Kettle, Whinny, Joseph,Wilson, O’Casey, Mrs.McNulty
Tom Kettle: Patient, resilient, loyal. He stays true to all the roles he has undertaken i.e a good husband, a good father, a good Army veteran, a good retired Garda/Police. His character is put to test when he his past comes knocking. In the tug of war between his Civic duty and his Family values which one will win? Will he be penalised if he makes the wrong choice?
June Kettle: Loving, trooper. A loving mother and wife who is a master at homemaking. Being a fellow survivor of abuse June had shielded her soul from her body. The only way she knew how to move forward in life. Will her deamons eventually catch up with her?
Whinny & Joseph: Ambitious. Children of two orphans who lived a sheltered life. They both have lofty goals and go on their separate paths. Should a child hope for a normal life if their parents are still tormented by their past afflictions?
Wilson & O’Casey: Duty-bound, reverent. Tom sees them as two kindred spirits from a world he had left behind. Being detectives themselves they try to handle the Tom as gently and with much respect as possible. But will there come a stage where they have to be the Strong Arms of the law?
The descriptions of Ireland in its 90’s was most exhilarating. As someone living in Ireland for the past 5 years I jumped up each time I heard the name of a familiar place or a common phrase. This book explores some darker subjects which are still true to the day. It forces us to look at and acknowledge the ugly parts of humankind. I hope this book inspires people to do and be more good in the world.