
About this episode
Rónán Hession discusses his debut novel 'Leonard and Hungry Paul' with host James Naughtie.
Presented by James Naughtie, the Irish writer Rónán Hession takes questions from a Bookclub audience on his debut novel, Leonard and Hungry Paul. The book was shortlisted for the British Book Awards Debut Book of the Year 2020 and selected as one of the 50 Great Irish Novels of the 21st Century. The story follows two single, board-game-loving men in their 30s, still living at home, as they navigate everyday life. It celebrates the ordinary, and the idea that we can learn from the people we might otherwise overlook. This recording takes place in the BBC Scotland studios in Pacific Quay, Glasgow. Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.
People in this episode
Host: James Naughtie
Guest: Rónán Hession
Topics covered
- Irish literature
- debut novels
- ordinary life
- friendship
- book discussion
Keywords
- Rónán Hession
- Leonard and Hungry Paul
- Irish novels
- British Book Awards
- bookclub
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BBC Radio 4, BBC Scotland
Books & works: Leonard and Hungry Paul
Places: Pacific Quay, Glasgow
More episodes of Bookclub
- Kirstin Innes · June 7, 2026 · 28 min
- Nicola Barker · May 3, 2026 · 29 min
- Dorothy Koomson · April 5, 2026 · 28 min
- Alan Cumming on Alasdair Gray's Lanark · March 1, 2026 · 29 min
- Sarah Bernstein · February 1, 2026 · 35 min
- Emma Thompson: Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility · December 16, 2025 · 37 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Bookclub podcast page.