Book cover of The Hungry Road

Book description

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…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Hungry Road as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I loved Leon Uris's novel Trinity, which tells the story of Ireland's potato blight. That book has never left my memory. The Hungry Road brings Uris's novel back to memory with its account of the 1845 period.

It offers three perspectives: Mary Sullivan's dreams for a better future, Dr. Donovan's attempts to help the desperate and starving, and Father John Fitzpatrick, who finds his faith tested. Offering these complex and powerful characters, Conlon-McKenna brings the terror of this period to light. It is a great read!

If you love The Hungry Road...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like The Hungry Road?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 98 books like The Hungry Road.

Browse books like The Hungry Road

Book cover of Annals of the Famine in Ireland, in 1847, 1848, and 1849
Book cover of Black Potatoes: The Story of the Great Irish Famine, 1845-1850
Book cover of A Slip of a Girl

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Hungry Road, you might also like...

Book cover of Deadly Revenge

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley,

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with…

Book cover of The Duty of Memory

The Duty of Memory by Vicki Olsen,

Separating the true stories from the myths, The Duty of Memory provides a deeper understanding of the diverse motivations that drove ordinary people to join an underground network of French Resistants despite terrible odds and horrifying consequences.

This book takes the reader inside the true story of men and women…

5 book lists we think you will like!