Leonard and Hungry Paul, the 2019 debut novel by Rónán Hession, has been announced as the One Dublin One Book choice for 2021.

Before launching his career as a novelist, Hession performed and recorded as Mumblin' Deaf Ro. His latest album, 2012's Dictionary Crimes, was nominated for the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year.

“I am sincerely grateful and proud that Leonard and Hungry Paul has been chosen as this year’s One Dublin One Book," says Rónán. "I would like to thank Dublin City Council for this great honour. I was born in Dublin and have lived and worked here all my life, so this means a lot to me. And of course, I have spent countless happy hours firing my imagination with the books I have borrowed from the wonderful libraries we have throughout Dublin. Leonard and Hungry Paul is a gentle book about two friends learning to engage with the world without becoming overwhelmed by it. I hope my fellow Dubliners find it a source of peace and enjoyment in the year ahead.”

The One Dublin One Book initiative aims to encourage everyone in Dublin to read a designated book connected with the capital city during the month of April each year. A new One Dublin One Book edition of Leonard and Hungry Paul will be made available, and there will be online events in April to accompany the reading initiative – with details coming soon.

Leonard and Hungry Paul follows two quiet friends, who use humour, board games and silence to steer their way through the world. It shines a light on "the uncelebrated people who have the ability to change the world, not by effort or force, but through their appreciation of all that is special and overlooked in life."

Rónán’s second novel, Panenka, will be published in May 2021.

Am so proud that Leonard and Hungry Paul has been chosen as this year's #1dublin1book
My sincere thanks to @dubcilib @DubCityCouncil for this great honour.

I hope people enjoy reading the book in its new special edition Dublin cover! https://t.co/4OqUWU4gcF

— Mumblin' Deaf Ro (@MumblinDeafRo) January 11, 2021

Listen to Mumblin' Deaf Ro's stunning track 'Cheer Up Charlie Brown' from Dictionary Crimes below: