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The Hungry Road  By  cover art

The Hungry Road

By: Marita Conlon-McKenna
Narrated by: Caroline Lennon
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Publisher's summary

Now, the number one Irish best seller and award-winning novelist is turning her hand to the definitive adult novel of those hard times, with The Hungry Road.

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.

©2020 Marita Conlon-McKenna (P)2020 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

"Beautiful and moving...historically true and fictionally vivid." (Sunday Times)

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I raced through it.... It’s a must-add to your collection." (Ryan Tubridy, RTÉ Radio 1)

What listeners say about The Hungry Road

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What a sad time for the Irish.

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. My great grandparents came to America during the second wave of the famine. What hardships they must have suffered. I would very much recommend this book.

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Wow.

This is one of the best books I've ever read, and as an English teacher, that says something. The narrator was AMAZING and helped pull readers along "The Hungry Road" so many of us know little about. Definitely a must-read!!

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Eye Opening

This novel touched me deeply.
These courageous people & what they went through in Ireland as well as the way they strived to succeed & adapt once they arrived in America makes me hopeful others will do the same today.

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The Hungry Road

I loved this book, especially on Audio. Being Irish, this really hit home for me. I am very interested in hearing the stories from long ago. The potato famine was a horrible thing.
I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to learn more about their ancestors plights or anyone seeking a good read.
This book was very well written, it told a great story of true life experiences and struggles the Irish faced.

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Took me months to finish

I was so determined to love this book as I love studying the Great Hunger, however the lack of depth any of the characters had made it so hard to get through. The plot was some what intriguing but there really was nothing super interesting about this book besides when/where it takes place.

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