Leonard and Hungry Paul

Rónán Hession is an Irish writer and musician based in Dublin. His debut novel Leonard and Hungry Paul was published by Bluemoose Books in 2019. It was shortlisted for the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year, the An Post Irish Book Awards, the British Book Awards, the Books Are My Bag Awards, the Dalkey Literary Prize, the McKitterick Prize, and was longlisted for the Republic of Consciousness Prize. Leonard and Hungry Paul was selected by Dublin City Council as the 2021 One Dublin One Book. It was also chosen by the Sunday Times and the Irish Times as one of the 50 Great Irish Novels of the 21st Century. It has also been added to the Irish secondary schoool curriculum.

“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“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