the_life_of_hunger_nothomb
2008 Longlist

The Life of Hunger

artwork-image

ABOUT
THE BOOK

In a disused lighthouse on the Devon coast lives Peter Straker, a recluse who, in his dreams, is visited by an oddly disparate group of people from a grandmother to a teenager. But they have all been dead for 24 years – and Straker thinks he killed them
Many years ago, newly-married Imogen Doody`s husband went to work one day and never came back, leaving her angry at life and other people. Now Imogen has inherited a cottage near Straker`s lighthouse, a piece of good fortune she badly needs. But the cottage is falling down, and she needs help restoring it…

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Amélie
Nothomb

Amélie Nothomb was born in Japan of Belgian parents in 1967. She lives in Paris. Since her debut on the French literary scene a little more than a decade ago, Amélie Nothomb has published a novel a year, every year. Her edgy fiction, unconventional thinking, and public persona have combined to transform her into a worldwide literary sensation. Amélie’s books have been translated into thirty-nine languages and been awarded numerous prizes including the French Academy’s 1999 Grand Prix du Roman, the René-Fallet prize, the Alain-Fournier prize, and the Grand Prix Giono in 2008.

Amélie Nothomb was born in Japan of Belgian parents in 1967. She lives in Paris. Since her debut on the French literary scene a little more than a decade ago, Amélie Nothomb has published a novel a year, every year. Her edgy fiction, unconventional thinking, and public persona have combined to transform her into a worldwide literary sensation. Amélie’s books have been translated into thirty-nine languages and been awarded numerous prizes including the French Academy’s 1999 Grand Prix du Roman, the René-Fallet prize, the Alain-Fournier prize, and the Grand Prix Giono in 2008.

ABOUT
THE TRANSLATOR Shaun
Whiteside

Shaun Whiteside is a literary translator. Originally from Northern Ireland, he graduated with a First in Modern Languages from King’s College, Cambridge, and translates from German, French, Italian and Dutch, having previously worked as a business journalist and television producer.

Shaun Whiteside is a literary translator. Originally from Northern Ireland, he graduated with a First in Modern Languages from King’s College, Cambridge, and translates from German, French, Italian and Dutch, having previously worked as a business journalist and television producer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country
Belgium
Original Language
French
Publisher
Faber & Faber
Translator
Shaun Whiteside

RELATED FEATURES

News May 23 2025

2025 Dublin Literary Award Winner Revealed

Discover this year's winner!
Video May 23 2025

2025 Dublin Literary Award Ceremony

2025 Dublin Literary Award Winner Ceremony live from the International Literature Festival Dublin.
Video May 23 2025

2019 Winner Emily Ruskovich

Dublin Literary Award Celebrating 30 Years Q&A
Video May 23 2025

2010 Winner Gerbrand Bakker

Dublin Literary Award Celebrating 30 Years Q&A

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch and sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates on the Dublin Literary Award.