
Reach for this book when your child feels overwhelmed by the rush of modern life or expresses a deep curiosity about their family's unspoken history. This lyrical story follows JJ Liddy, an Irish teenager who discovers that time is literally leaking out of the human world and into the eternal realm of Tir na nOg. To save his mother's birthday and solve a long-standing family mystery, JJ must travel between worlds, uncovering the truth about a supposed murder committed by his great-grandfather and the magical origins of his family's musical talent. It is a sophisticated, heartwarming exploration of how the past shapes our present and how creativity connects generations. The story is perfectly suited for middle schoolers who appreciate a blend of folklore and mystery, offering a gentle yet profound reflection on the value of slowing down and the enduring power of heritage.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe mystery involves a character accused of a crime, questioning truth and village rumors.
The book deals with a historical murder mystery involving a priest, which is handled with a focus on justice and reputation rather than gore. It explores family secrets and the burden of inherited shame in a realistic, secular manner that values truth over dogma. The resolution is deeply hopeful and restorative.
A 12-year-old musician or dreamer who feels the pressure of a busy schedule and longs for a deeper connection to their roots or a sense of magic in the everyday world.
The book is safe to read cold, though parents might want to familiarize themselves with basic Irish traditional music terms to better engage with JJ's passion. A child complaining that their day is over too fast or expressing frustration that they don't know much about their great-grandparents' lives.
Younger readers (10-11) will focus on the wonder of the fairy world and the 'time-travel' mechanics. Older readers (14-15) will appreciate the nuance of the family legacy and the philosophical questions about how we spend our limited lives.
Unlike many portal fantasies, this book uses music as the primary bridge between worlds and includes actual musical notation for the 'New Policeman' reel at the end, making the magic feel tangible and participatory.
JJ Liddy lives in Kinvara, Ireland, where everyone seems to be running out of time. When his mother asks for the gift of more time for her birthday, JJ finds a hole between the human world and Tir na nOg, the land of the fairies. There, time is infinite but music is missing. JJ trades his fiddle playing for hours of time, while simultaneously investigating a century-old village scandal involving his great-grandfather and a missing priest. The dual timelines eventually converge to reveal how the Liddy family's musical soul is intertwined with the fate of the fairy realm.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.