Throughout the novel, Sebastian Barry explores how past traumas can cast long shadows, influencing the characters' thoughts, emotions, and interactions.

Tom Kettle, the protagonist, carries the weight of his traumatic experiences from childhood through his career in the Garda and into his later years. His memories of the orphanage, where he endured hardship and abuse, continue to haunt him, manifesting as vivid flashbacks and moments of dissociation. These memories not only reveal the impact of his traumatic past but also illuminate the psychological toll it takes on him. Tom's introspections often blur the lines between past and present, underscoring how traumatic events can reverberate across time.

June Kettle's trauma is equally significant. Her experience of childhood sexual abuse by a priest profoundly shapes her identity and relationship with Tom. Her internal struggle to reconcile her past with her love for Tom underscores the lasting...