Bookclub - Rónán Hession
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.
Published on Sunday, 4th January 2026.
Available Podcasts from Bookclub
We are not the BBC, we only list available podcasts. To find out more about the programme including episodes available on BBC iPlayer, go to the Bookclub webpage.