The reader once again visits Faha, a small Irish village where This Is Happiness took place. Jack Troy is the town doctor; he is a good doctor and thoroughly professional. He lives in Faha with his oldest daughter, Ronnie, who assists him in almost everything. In December of 1962 a baby girl is found near the local church, and Jack Troy is asked if he can “bring her back to life.” The infant changes Jack and Ronnie’s lives in ways they never expected.

Reading Time of the Child is like listening to an Irish story teller. Niall Williams cannot stick to the stories main plot, instead veering off track to discuss another villager or a Faha tale from the past. The girl child of the title doesn’t even appear until almost halfway into the novel. If you want a quick read with a straight plot, DON’T read Time of the Child. However, if you enjoy all things Irish and like a good cry at the end of a tale, this book is for you.