Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "ronan-hession"

LEONARD AND HUNGRY PAUL by Ronan Hession

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a book that I chose to read because I liked the cover. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. In this case, it definitely did. "Leonard and Hungry Paul" is a story about two thirty-something friends who are both at a stage in their lives where they feel like they don't fit in anywhere. Other people seem to be able to get on with their lives, while Leonard and Hungry Paul just exist. Leonard is living alone after the recent death of his mother and seeks solace in his friend Hungry Paul who is also quite a lonely figure, living with his parents and treated as if he is incapable of making his own decisions.

Leonard and Hungry Paul have a lot in common and observe the world somewhat differently from those around them. These two characters seem like real people, and are well-developed by the author. I found myself engrossed in their stories; reading the book is like chatting with an old friend. As I neared the end of it, I felt sad, almost like saying goodbye to a friend. The hallmarks of a good book.

The two main characters are very relatable and I think that's why the book has found such a wide readership. There is a Hungry Paul and Leonard in all of us, almost the inner child. It's a memorable story, and the kind of book you could read again and again. Leonard and Hungry Paul is overflowing with wisdom. One of the best books I've read for a while.



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"Panenka" is one of those novels that I think everyone will be able to relate to in some way; the characters are ordinary people with the same everyday concerns as everyone else. This novel is centered around the life of the main character, Joseph, an ex-footballer, who has become known as Panenka after an event that happened years before but which has followed him and taunted him ever since. When we meet Panenka we find out that he has a secret that he has kept from his family, and as the novel progresses it becomes harder for him to keep it. We learn all about his life and meet his friends, his daughter and grandson, as well as his new romantic interest. The story is told well, in an introspective way that enables the reader to understand what each of the characters is thinking and feeling. All the players in this story are expertly crafted and could be real people. This author understands human nature and can bring characters to life in such a way that you begin to believe in them and sympathise with them. It contains many snippets of wisdom that make you stop and think; the hallmark of a classic book.

"Panenka" delves into the lives of the characters offering insightful commentary about grief, regret, relationships, love, loss, and more. I found myself feeling sad that the book was coming to an end.

This is the second book I have enjoyed by this talented author. His debut, Leonard and Hungry Paul is brilliant. I am looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.