Time of the Child (2024) by Irish writer Niall Williams revolves around a foundling or abandoned child.

It’s December 1962 in the small town of Faha in Ireland. The local doctor, Jack Troy, and his eldest daughter Ronni – who lives with and works for Jack Troy – find their lives irrevocably changed when a sick baby is left with them.

Jack attends to the baby’s health and Ronnie becomes the child’s carer.

At first Jack and Ronni try to hide the baby, named Noelle, so she won’t be taken off to an orphanage.

But …