Niall Williams’ ‘Time of the Child’

Niall Williams’ ‘Time of the Child’

Here is the opening line of Niall Williams’ new novel: “This is what happened in Faha over the Christmas of 1962, in what became known in the parish as the time of the child.” The narration – measured, intimate – continues, talking of miracles, of Faha itself – probably, ah no, certainly the last place in all of Ireland where anything happens. The inhabitants agree on that.