The Hungry Road

The Irish Famine of the 1840s is still one of the most disgraceful events in British history: a time when the potato crop failed due to blight and countless thousands of people were evicted from their tenancies, became destitute and starved. The government in London either ignored the issue or mishandled it to such an extent that some estimates state a million people died while at least another million were forced to emigrate. 

With this background, one only takes up any book about the Famine with caution, knowing full well you are going to face some distressing scenes. And this is certainly the case with this novel although the author manages to balance the most harrowing episodes with the human need to help others and the importance of family strength.

Principally set in and around the town of Skibbereen in County Cork, Mary and John Sullivan and their four children are faced with the many challenges that come their way after their potato harvest fails. ​When they are evicted from their cottage for being unable to pay rent, John labours on hare-brained government employment schemes in shocking conditions, for irregular and poor pay. Mary brings in a few pennies with her needlework. Malnourished and with having to pawn or sell their warm clothes, sickness is ever present.

Trying to do what he can for everyone is the remarkable, selfless doctor Dan Donovan who is the Medical Officer for the Skibbereen Union Workhouse and risks his own health with long working hours. Burying children whom he helped to deliver only to witness them dying from disease, exposure and hunger tears him apart. Father John Fitzpatrick pleads for help with higher authorities but is too often dismissed or ignored.

The writing is uncomplicated and the narrative flows well. Some reviewers have commented on its simplicity or the lack of in-depth characterisations which I think is rather unfair. Expressions of individuality in such a major crisis don't need analytical exploration. Trying to survive, being united and putting others first is what this novel is all about and although there are many shocking and tear-jerking passages, there is also courage, hope and determination to get through which ultimately adds to a satisfying story. (The author's notes reveal that much of the background is based in truth taken from the diaries of the real Dr Donovan.)
​

Four stars

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

Booktopia

​

---