PANENKA

I read this straight after reading Leonard and Hungry Paul and enjoyed it just as much. For me this is definitely literary fiction at its best. I didn't need to look up too many words but the author takes his time to build characters rather than simply presenting them two dimensionally. The last page brought a tear to my eye. I can thoroughly recommend this book.

Such a stunning novel. I feel like books come to you at times in your life and I really needed Panenka right now. A beautiful story with some of the most well drawn and relatable characters I've ever read. The writing is brilliant. Elegant, soulful and attentive to the truth. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Rónán Hession made his name with his kind and comforting debut Leonard and Hungry Paul that has gone on to growing commercial success and acclaim. His second novel, Panenka (Bluemoose Books), had a hard act to follow as a result, and the Dublin based author has, for me, not only matched it but built additional layers of maturity and complexity in this book full of life lessons, wisdom, and often, kindness. The main character is nicknamed ‘Panenka’ after an avoidable incident of embarrassment on the field that had long lasting implications for the local football club, and also potentially for the town. This is his story many years later and his relationship with several key family and friends. I was drawn in completely and wished for his redemption and closure. It’s a pleasure thinking back after finishing this book and for some reason, the Panenka in my mind’s eye looks like Mark Rylance – roll on the screen or stage adaptation. I hope this novel goes on to great success and I will recommend it to those who ask what to read over the summer. It’s just the right length and a beautifully published package too from the impressive indie Bluemoose Books.

There’s something about Hession’s tales that are so comforting - his characters are always well developed but still mysterious and it’s as if the story takes place somewhere we all know yet can’t place.

Leonard and Hungry Paul was the novel that cajoled and sustained me through the early phases of lockdown. It was quite simply the kindest and gentlest novel I've had the privilege of reading, and I read it slowly, savouring every word, and every payday buying a couple of copies for friends. I struggle to recall caring so much about the success and not of that tricky second novel. The delicate and warm observations and sublime sentences are here but Panenka has a different emotional range. A different novel and a brilliant one. Thank you for such superb writing and thank you to Bluemoose for such inspired publishing.

Read in two days. Would definitely recommend. Just an honest no fuss no frills read. Softly written and can't wait to read another of his books

Quick and enjoyable read.

This is proper, sensitive, honest, flowing literary fiction, with just the right amount of rough edges left unpolished. A joy to read.