Leonard and Hungry Paul (2019) is Irish author and musician Rónán Hession’s debut novel. It follows two quiet, introverted friends named Leonard and Paul as they navigate work, family, relationships, and loss. Although each man is set in his ways and dependent on routine, both ultimately break free from past patterns, forging new relationships and redefining their lives. Through a slow-paced, meditative narrative, the author explores the importance of love and relationships, the interplay of solitude and human connection, and the importance of self-actualization.

Popular with readers and critics alike, the novel was nominated for the Post Irish Book Awards, the British Book Awards, the Books Are My Bag Readers’ Awards, and the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year. It was also longlisted for the Republic of Consciousness Prize and selected as Dublin’s One Dublin One Book for 2021. In 2025, Leonard and Hungry Paul was serialized for television by BBC Northern Ireland. Narrated by Julia Roberts, the series stars Alex Lawther, Laurie Kynaston, and Jamie-Lee O’Donnell.

This guide refers to the 2022 paperback edition published by Melville House.

Content Warning: The source material and guide feature depictions of death and child death.

Plot Summary

Leonard, an only child, is raised by his mother after his father’s death. He is a quiet, introverted boy who prefers reading to socializing or sports. He and his mother have a close bond, and he remains in the family home long into adulthood. When Leonard is in his early thirties, his mother dies suddenly. He misses her but finds comfort in his work as a children’s encyclopedia writer and in his sole friend, “Hungry Paul.” Like Leonard, Paul is averse to large groups and devoted to his family; he also chooses to live with his parents as an adult rather than moving into his own flat.

Paul’s parents, Peter and Helen, are happy for their son to remain at home and also enjoy an easy friendship with Leonard. Leonard and Paul often get together at Paul’s home to play board games. Paul’s sister, Grace, moved out to attend college and now lives with her fiancé, Andrew.

One day, Paul hears of a contest held by the Chamber of Commerce; they are looking for an appropriate, formal phrase with which to end emails. Paul decides to enter.

Meanwhile, during a fire drill in his shared office, Leonard meets the fire warden, a beautiful woman with bright red hair who ushers him out of the building. Leonard, who struggles in casual interactions, feels that he behaved awkwardly. He vows to try to be “normal” and get to know her.

Grace has long been Paul’s protector and champion but now feels that it is time for Paul to develop some independence. Her parents are retiring; she wants them to go on a vacation so that Paul can become a bit more independent. Helen is reluctant but does begin to bring Paul when she volunteers at the local hospital. Paul’s only other commitment is a part-time job filling in for postal workers.

Leonard gets to know Shelley, the fire warden. She has a young son who loves the encyclopedia series that he writes. She also dropped out of arts college and is unsure about what to do professionally. The two begin dating. When Leonard tells Shelley that he wants to begin a book project of his own, a factual story about a young Roman boy, she is thrilled. She tells him that the project sounds wonderful and encourages him to work on it.

One night, Leonard cancels plans with Paul to see Shelley, hurting his feelings. Luckily, Paul is a finalist for the contest, and the awards ceremony is the same weekend. Leonard happily congratulates Paul and tells him that he will attend. Paul wins the contest and a prize of £10,000, and he even chats with the mime emceeing the awards ceremony.

Leonard works on his new book, inspired by his desire to write something engaging for Shelley’s son, Patrick. However, when he suggests possibly meeting Patrick, Shelley is upset. Leonard cannot figure out what he said to provoke such a strong reaction. Their relationship ends. Weeks pass, and Leonard does not see Shelley. He fills his time with writing. When he finishes the book, he gives a copy, along with some Easter presents and a note, to Shelley.

The mime invites Paul to apply for a job: The association of mimes needs a new spokesperson who can communicate their relevance to a public whose interest in the art of mimes is waning. With Grace marrying, his parents retiring, and Leonard in a relationship, Paul decides that it is time for him to do something new. The interview goes well, and Paul accepts the job.

The day of Grace’s wedding arrives, and everyone is happy to see her married. Paul and Leonard have resolved any lingering resentment from the evening when Leonard cancelled plans. Surprisingly, Shelley shows up at the wedding. She explains that it is hard to be a single mother and that she has to make sure her son doesn’t get attached to people who might not remain in his life permanently. However, moved by Leonard’s overture and the book, she wants to give their relationship a try.

As the novel ends, Grace and Andrew are happily married. Peter and Helen are contemplating what this next phase of their life will look like. Paul’s new job is going well, and it is evident that he has finally begun his path toward independence. Leonard and Shelley are happy together, and Shelley has agreed to let Leonard into her son’s life.