Time of the Child by Niall Williams

Why isn’t Niall Williams a household name among readers? With Time of the Child, his latest resplendent and suspenseful novel, Williams proves once again that he is among the finest contemporary storytellers. Few writers can conjure a world as vividly as he does, where every character feels distinct and alive, and even the setting breathes with its own personality. His depiction of Faha, a small Irish town perpetually cloaked in dampness, is so specific you can almost feel the moisture in the air. From its slowly eroding estuary to its pubs and farms, Faha is a world unto itself, populated by unforgettable characters—and even animals like Harry, the street-sleeping dog, leave an indelible mark.

Time of the Child, a sequel to Williams’ acclaimed This Is Happiness, takes place in Faha during Christmas of 1962. While the protagonist of the previous book, Noel Crowe, has moved to America, the story now centers on the town doctor, Jack Troy, and his daughter Ronnie. Jack is revered by the townspeople as a stoic and indispensable figure—a “granite plinth with a mustache.” Yet beneath this unyielding exterior lies a heart brimming with love and longing.

Jack’s affections are multifaceted. He has a brisk but unwavering love for his patients, a yearning for a romance long past, and a profound devotion to his daughters, especially Ronnie. Ronnie, unmarried and living with her father, inspires both his fierce protection and quiet guilt. When a local boy discovers a baby abandoned in a churchyard and brings her to Jack, this steady but subdued man is suddenly overtaken by an uncharacteristic fervor. Both he and Ronnie fall hopelessly in love with the child, and Jack, determined to give her a home, concocts a wild plan that is equal parts absurd and touching. As his scheme unfolds, suspense builds, and Williams deftly balances moments of heartache with humor that will have readers laughing even as tears threaten.

Williams’ prose is as evocative as ever, bringing depth to both his characters and their setting. Every inhabitant of Faha feels distinct, their personalities etched with care, and even minor figures leave a lasting impression. The town itself is practically a character, with its quirks and rhythms shaping the lives of those who call it home.

With Time of the Child, Williams delivers a novel that is both heartwarming and heartrending, a testament to his unparalleled gift for storytelling. For anyone who treasures great writing, this is a book to savor—and a reminder that Niall Williams deserves far more recognition for his remarkable work.