Leonard and Hungry Paul

Rónán Hession is an Irish writer and musician based in Dublin. His debut, Leonard and Hungry Paul was shortlisted for the Kerry Group Irish novel of the year, the An Post Book Awards, the British Book Awards, the Books Are My Bags Awards, the Dalkey Literary Prize and the McKitterick Prize. It was also selected by Dublin City Council as the 2021 One Dublin One Book. The Sunday Times chose it as of the 50 Great Irish Novels of the 21st Century. Rónán’s second novel Panenka was short listed for novel of the year at the An Post Irish Book Awards and for the Books Are My Bag Awards. He has been a judge for the An Post Irish Book Awards , the McKitterick Prize and the British Book Awards. He also reviews fiction in translation for The Irish Times.

“A charming, warm-hearted celebration of all that is treasurable about everyday life.” — The Guardian“Charming without being twee, this funny, warm book will bring you sunshine.” — The Irish Times"God, what a voice Ronan has. It is spectacular and already feels like a cult classic. I was absolutely hooked." — Donal Ryan, The Spinning Heart"The book is a delightful summer read because the characters are so incredibly likable... It's testament to the author's skill that this book, so lacking in the traditional trappings of drama, is somehow a total page turner." --Chloe Veltman, NPR Books“Radiant… A charming, luminous debut.” —*Kirkus *STARRED Review“This quietly brilliant book is as funny as it is wise, as tender as it is ground-breaking. Rónán Hession mines for gold in the modest lives and ordinary friendships that might appear unpromising to another writer, and my goodness, he finds it. It is also a happy book — and we need those.” — Diane Setterfield, author of The Thirteenth Tale“For a book that defies convention I would heartily recommend Leonard and Hungry Paul. It’s as simple as it is unique … a celebration of kindness and having enough and being content — and living a life devoid of high drama and conflict. It’s very funny, and well-written, poetic in places. But above all it’s kind, a celebration of often overlooked people.” — Kit de Waal, author of My Name Is Leon"This beautiful, heartfelt book is fed on wit and purpose . . . it challenges us to take happiness seriously. The result is that its readers may be nourished by it and in turn nourish others... This is a novel to hearten us for whatever lies ahead." — The Believer