A note: Why is he called Hungry Paul? Well, read the book and you still won’t know. It is never explained. This is infuriating, as I feel like I’m best friends with all the characters now and they haven’t let me in on their inside joke. This is 100% not ok.
Leonard and Hungry Paul was such a sweet book. Nothing whatsoever happened but also the people lived very dear, normal, kind lives. In some stories, I find myself worn out because there’s no one to root for. I need at least one person who isn’t making terrible choices to make their life worse.
Somehow in this book, I was rooting for everyone. Leonard, Shelley & Patrick, Hungry Paul, Peter & Helen, Grace & Andrew, Mrs. Hawthorn & Barbara. I’m sad I didn’t get to meet Leonard’s mother; I obviously would have liked her. I read a review that called this “a coming of age story for the already aged” and that is a perfect summary.
The ending was so sweet. I know I used that word twice, but it really was just the gentlest and most unexpectedly endearing turn of events. I am delighted. Also this book had so many genuinely funny moments that felt so normal to life. My own extended family is full of energy and life and laughter. The sewing kit, the mime interview… these things just felt so hysterically believable to me.
You may wish to note the above.
