Review: Leonard and Hungry Paul

Leonard and Hungry Paul by Ronan Hession
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think this was a noble attempt to do something different - to focus on how two ordinary, unambitious men (Leonard and Hungry Paul) can live fulfilling lives in their own way. Hungry Paul, in particular, was an interesting character. There is some implication he suffered brain damange at birth but otherwise no real explaination for why he is the way he is (a simple soul living a simple life).

However, as has been noted in other reviews, the problem with books about ordinary lives is that ordinary lives are a bit dull. Grace (Hungry Paul's sister) was a well-rounded character but her stress about her upcoming wedding was just boring to be honest. I would have preferred Hession to spend more time on her fears about having to look after parents (and Hungry Paul) in the future and what that would mean for her life than on how how the wedding planning was affecting her relationship.

Also while I didn't mind some of the farcial elements, I did balk when Hungry Paul sets up a "quiet club" in which people are meant to sit in silence for an hour. This is portrayed as a thought-provoking concept but, erm, the Quakers have been practising silent worship for more than 350 years now. So, not exactly a new idea.

View all my reviews