Time of the Child: A Novel
Nov 2024 · Bloomsbury Publishing USA
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304
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About this ebook
* Pre-Order Niall Williams' next story set in Faha O NOW! *
"The writing in this book is lyrical . . . a beautiful book that you will love.” -Good Morning America's #1 Favorite Book of the Year
"I am utterly obsessed with Niall Williams." -Ann Patchett, New York Times bestselling author of Tom Lake
"Made me laugh out loud and remember how to love.” -Margaret Renkl, The New York Times
From the author of the November 2025 Late Show with Stephen Colbert Book Club Pick, This Is Happiness, a compassionate, life-affirming novel about the Christmas season that transforms the small Irish town of Faha.
Doctor Jack Troy was born and raised in Faha, but his responsibilities for the sick and his care for the dying mean he has always been set apart from the town. His eldest daughter, Ronnie, has grown up in her father's shadow, and remains there, having missed one chance at love – and passed up another offer of marriage from an unsuitable man.
But in the Advent season of 1962, as the town readies itself for Christmas, Ronnie and Doctor Troy's lives are turned upside down when a baby is left in their care. As the winter passes, father and daughter's lives, the understanding of their family, and their role in their community are changed forever.
Set over the course of one December in the same village as Williams' beloved This Is Happiness, Time of the Child is a tender return to Faha for readers who know its charms, and a heartwarming welcome to new readers entering for the very first time.
"The writing in this book is lyrical . . . a beautiful book that you will love.” -Good Morning America's #1 Favorite Book of the Year
"I am utterly obsessed with Niall Williams." -Ann Patchett, New York Times bestselling author of Tom Lake
"Made me laugh out loud and remember how to love.” -Margaret Renkl, The New York Times
From the author of the November 2025 Late Show with Stephen Colbert Book Club Pick, This Is Happiness, a compassionate, life-affirming novel about the Christmas season that transforms the small Irish town of Faha.
Doctor Jack Troy was born and raised in Faha, but his responsibilities for the sick and his care for the dying mean he has always been set apart from the town. His eldest daughter, Ronnie, has grown up in her father's shadow, and remains there, having missed one chance at love – and passed up another offer of marriage from an unsuitable man.
But in the Advent season of 1962, as the town readies itself for Christmas, Ronnie and Doctor Troy's lives are turned upside down when a baby is left in their care. As the winter passes, father and daughter's lives, the understanding of their family, and their role in their community are changed forever.
Set over the course of one December in the same village as Williams' beloved This Is Happiness, Time of the Child is a tender return to Faha for readers who know its charms, and a heartwarming welcome to new readers entering for the very first time.
* Pre-Order Niall Williams' next story set in Faha O NOW! *
"The writing in this book is lyrical . . . a beautiful book that you will love.” -Good Morning America's #1 Favorite Book of the Year
"I am utterly obsessed with Niall Williams." -Ann Patchett, New York Times bestselling author of Tom...
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1 review
Sophia Baker
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July 4, 2026
Just felt led to say that Jesus loves you so much and is the only way to heaven believe and trust in him. I am 17 years old and i am saying this from the bottom of my heart believe he died on the cross for our sins believe the gospel. i hope yall are having a blessed day God bless🙏🙏🙏
About the author
Niall Williams was born in Dublin. He is the author of nine novels, including History of the Rain, which was longlisted for the Booker Prize and Four Letters of Love, which will soon be a major motion picture starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Gabriel Byrne. His most recent novel, This Is Happiness was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards Book of the Year and longlisted for The Walter Scott Prize. He lives in Kiltumper in County Clare, Ireland.
Niall Williams was born in Dublin. He is the author of nine novels, including History of the Rain, which was longlisted for the Booker Prize and Four Letters of Love, which will soon be a major motion picture starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Gabriel Byrne. His most recent novel,...
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