Hungry

A biography of my body

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Hungry

By: Katriona O'Sullivan

Narrated by: Katriona O’Sullivan

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Summary

'Soars with compassion, intelligence and hard-won wisdom ... a standout book' LOUISE KENNEDY

From the Number One bestselling author of Poor

'Utterly compelling' EDEL COFFEY

'Raw and profound' LIZ NUGENT

'I couldn't put it down' ELAINE FEENEY

Katriona O'Sullivan has come a long way from the poverty, chaos and abuse she knew growing up. A respected academic and bestselling author, she defied every expectation placed on the teenage mother she once was.

Yet even as the accolades arrived, old beliefs held fast. No degree, no award, no recognition could silence the sense that she was only worthy when her body looked the way society said it should.

In this fierce and fearless memoir, Katriona pulls back the curtain on her journey: the relentless comparison to the curated bodies of strangers on the internet, the dangerous weight-loss treatments, the attempts to reshape herself into an impossible ideal - and how she slowly learned to accept and love herself.

Hungry is an unforgettable examination of how gender, class and trauma shape a woman's sense of worth. It is one woman's story - and a rallying cry for every woman who has ever felt she had to shrink to survive.

PRAISE FOR 'POOR':

'One of the best [books] I have read about the complexities of poverty . . . one of the most remarkable people you will ever meet' Guardian

'Powerful - Katriona is a legend' Barry Keoghan

'Raw, passionate and resolutely honest - I'll never forget it' Annie Mac

'I read Poor in one sitting I found it so compelling . . . moving, uplifting, brave, heroic' Nuala McGovern, Woman's Hour, BBC Radio Four

'Moving, funny, brave and original - just like the author . . . absolutely incredible' Roísín Ingle, Irish Times Women's Podcast

'One of the books of the year' Patrick Kielty, Late Late Show, RTÉ One

'One of the most important books I have ever read ... a beautiful telling of determination despite the odds' Lynn Ruane, Irish Times

'Raw and remarkable' Irish Independent

'A book of empowerment and hope' Patricia Scanlan©2026 Katriona O’Sullivan

Katriona O'SullivanKatriona O’SullivanHachette Books Ireland

Abuse

Dysfunctional Families

Eating Disorders

Education

Mental Health

Parenting & Families

Personal Development

Psychology & Mental Health

Relationships

Women

Funny

Feel-Good

Abuse Dysfunctional Families Eating Disorders Education Mental Health Parenting & Families Personal Development Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Women Funny Feel-Good

Critic reviews

Amazing. I couldn't put it down

Every woman needs to read this book. Every man needs to read this book

I doubt there's a woman alive who won't immediately see herself in these pages. I tore through it

Soaring with compassion, intelligence and hard-won wisdom ... a standout book

This raw, courageous read is both deeply personal and a call for women to stop shrinking themselves

Raw and profound

A searingly honest account of the author's lifelong struggle with her traumatised body ... great insight and emotional intensity

A honed, honest message that takes you to a better place ... a beautiful honesty

Most relevant

Katriona has exceeded expectations again. She has laid her story bare and allows the reader to connect deeply. There is some much to learn from this book. Thank you for the unexpected hidden healing. A masterpiece.