Trauma and Memory in Sebastian Barry’s Old God’s Time

Abstract

This article delves into the exploration of Sebastian Barry's latest novel, Old God's Time (2023), employing a Trauma Studies framework (Caruth, 1995; Alexander, 2004; Belaev, 2018) and drawing on the concepts of trauma fiction articulated by Anne Whitehead (2004). It aims to examine the novel's portrayal of individual and collective cultural traumas, with a particular focus on the representation of the enduring consequences of clerical child abuse in Ireland. The narrative unfolds through the lens of an unreliable narrator, weaving personal stories with broader societal implications, thereby shedding light on the far-reaching effects of violence and abuse that resonate across years and generations. By situating the novel within the Trauma Studies framework, it is possible to examine the mechanisms through which trauma is conveyed in fiction, emphasizing the interplay of memory, testimony, and narrative structure. The analysis extends to the characteristics of trauma fiction, showcasing how Barry's work aligns with and contributes to this contemporary genre.