Book Review: Leonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán Hession

We were so pleased to see Baldoyle Library get a special mention in the acknowledgements of Leonard and Hungry Paul, the latest novel by Dublin author Rónán Hession. The author thanked the staff for “being so helpful” and for providing him “with a lifetime’s supply of books”. We’re always glad to be of service, and thrilled to add this fantastic book to our collection. Read on for the review. 

This gorgeous novel, which has received rave reviews and has been nominated for several awards, celebrates nice people living simple lives in a normal world. It’s a story that’s told with so much warmth and heart that I couldn’t put it down - a perfect antidote in these worrying times.

The story centres around two thirty-something friends, called Leonard and Hungry Paul, as they gently navigate their family, work and social lives. Leonard lives with his mother, writes encyclopaedias for kids and meets his friend, Hungry Paul, once a week to play board games. Their discussions and ways of seeing the world are a pleasure to read. 

However, when Leonard’s mother passes away, he finds himself feeling alone for the first time. That is until he meets Shelley, and a chain of events takes him out of his comfort zone as he enters the world of dating and the social minefield that comes with it.

Hungry Paul is a part-time postman (just on Mondays), a martial arts enthusiast and is working on a competition entry - where he must invent a new email sign-off phrase for the Chamber of Commerce. And, no spoilers, but what he comes up with is a worthy replacement for “regards”. 

He’s someone who stays content in the present, while the world busily whirrs around him. He lives at home with his parents. His sister Grace, the worrier of the family, is planning her wedding and is constantly in a state of stress about the future. He’s an empathic person yet lives to his own beat, though the latter trait causes him to run into awkward situations along the way- my favourite instance of this was to do with some confusion over an expired box of chocolates.

All the characters we meet in the story are lovingly crafted, relatable and likeable - each with their own interesting quirks. One thing about this book that sets it apart from others is that each and every character is kind. 

It doesn’t take drama to make a wonderful story, and this one is proof of that.

Nadene, Fingal Libraries

Leonard and Hungry Paul is available to borrow from your local branch.