Sebastian Barry's "Old God's Time" dances on the edge of expectation, teasing readers with the promise of a classic detective tale while ultimately delivering something far more complex and enigmatic. From the outset, we're drawn into the world of retired detective Tom Kettle, only to find ourselves swept away by the currents of his mind, which resist easy categorization.

The novel's invocation of Job sets the tone for Kettle's character, a figure marked by suffering and resilience, yet shrouded in mystery. As the narrative unfolds, Barry deftly blurs the lines between reality and illusion, introducing symbolic elements like the unicorn that add layers of ambiguity to the story's fabric.

Much like the elusive unicorn itself, "Old God's Time" invites interpretation and speculation, challenging readers to navigate its shifting landscapes of perception and truth. While some may find frustration in the novel's refusal to adhere to conventional narrative conventions, others will be captivated by its ethereal beauty and thematic richness.

In essence, Barry's work is a meditation on the nature of existence, where the boundaries between the tangible and the intangible blur, leaving us to question the very fabric of reality. "Old God's Time" is a mesmerizing journey into the heart of uncertainty, sure to linger in the minds of those who dare to venture into its labyrinthine depths.