The Hungry Road

The Hungry Road

The gripping and heartbreaking novel of the Great Irish Famine

Summary

The No.1 bestselling novel of the Great Irish Famine from one of Ireland's most beloved writers

Ireland's hopes for freedom are dashed with the arrival of a deadly potato blight that strikes terror in the heart of its people.

1845. Seamstress Mary Sullivan's dreams of a better future are shattered as she looks out over their ruined crop. Refusing to give in to despair, she must use every ounce of courage and strength to protect her family as they fight to survive.

Dr Dan Donovan is Medical Officer to the Skibbereen Union. The arrival of 'The Hunger' soon brings starving men, women and children crowding into the town and the workhouse, desperate for assistance.

Fr John Fitzpatrick's faith is tested by the suffering that surrounds him as his pleas for help fall on deaf ears.

Inspired by true Irish heroes, The Hungry Road is the heartbreaking story of the Great Irish Famine told by one of Ireland's best loved writers.

__________

'Compelling ... An essential book' Sunday Times

'Heartbreaking and powerful' Her.ie

'Gripping' Business Post

'Captivating' Sunday Independent

'Powerful ... illustrate[s] the enormity of the tragedy' Irish Independent

Reviews

  • Compelling … An accessible and essential book, which does great service to Irish history and charts the courage and steadfastness of the human spirit
    Sunday Times

About the author

Marita Conlon-McKenna

Marita Conlon-McKenna is one of Ireland's favourite authors. Her books include the award-winning Under the Hawthorn Tree which is set during Ireland’s great famine. Widely translated and published, it is now considered an Irish classic. Her other books include bestsellers The Magdalen and Rebel Sisters.

She is a winner of the International Reading Association Award, USA and a former chairperson of Irish PEN.

Marita lives in Dublin with her husband and family.
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