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The Hunger Within
The Troubles are tearing apart the country.
Neighbour turns on neighbour as the Catholic/Protestant divide rages on.
In Maze Prison, a group of men start a hunger strike, wanting to be recognised as political prisoners. On the outside, personal lives are also caught up in the turmoil.
When Bronwyn and Danny married, she had high hopes for their future.
Now, they barely speak and Danny keeps such strange hours.
When she learns Danny is involved in a shooting, she calls the police and he's sent off to the Maze, where he joins the hunger strikes.
Meanwhile Rose James is not a pretty girl, nor is she strong.
But she’s risking everything to date Connor Dean, a Protestant.
When Connor is shot, Rose’s world threatens to tear apart,
Her mother throws her out and with nowhere to go, she moves in with Connor’s mother, Mary, a formidable woman who also lost Connor’s father to The Troubles.
But it's not long before Mary sets out to get rid of Rose, travelling to The Maze to enlist Danny’s help.
He is the man who shot her son and Mary knows there's nothing he won't do to get a job done.
He agrees to make her problem disappear, if Mary will get Bronwyn to visit him. But no one could foresee the events that the handshake deal triggers.
And as Danny weakens, and death hovers, everyone’s lives are changed forever.
Set against the backdrop of The Troubles, The Hunger Within is rich with history, pathos and the unique pride that comes with surviving in a dark and hostile time.
Neighbour turns on neighbour as the Catholic/Protestant divide rages on.
In Maze Prison, a group of men start a hunger strike, wanting to be recognised as political prisoners. On the outside, personal lives are also caught up in the turmoil.
When Bronwyn and Danny married, she had high hopes for their future.
Now, they barely speak and Danny keeps such strange hours.
When she learns Danny is involved in a shooting, she calls the police and he's sent off to the Maze, where he joins the hunger strikes.
Meanwhile Rose James is not a pretty girl, nor is she strong.
But she’s risking everything to date Connor Dean, a Protestant.
When Connor is shot, Rose’s world threatens to tear apart,
Her mother throws her out and with nowhere to go, she moves in with Connor’s mother, Mary, a formidable woman who also lost Connor’s father to The Troubles.
But it's not long before Mary sets out to get rid of Rose, travelling to The Maze to enlist Danny’s help.
He is the man who shot her son and Mary knows there's nothing he won't do to get a job done.
He agrees to make her problem disappear, if Mary will get Bronwyn to visit him. But no one could foresee the events that the handshake deal triggers.
And as Danny weakens, and death hovers, everyone’s lives are changed forever.
Set against the backdrop of The Troubles, The Hunger Within is rich with history, pathos and the unique pride that comes with surviving in a dark and hostile time.
- GenresHistorical
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2016
15 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Hewitt
18 books130 followersSilver Prize in the author v author competition 2008 (supported by the National Literary Trust)
Shortlisted for the Inspire and Mentor Campaign – selected by Jojo Moyes 2012
Two books independently published in 2010 and 2013
Longlisted for the Retreat West First Chapter Competition 2015
Winner of the BritCrime Pitch Competition 2015
Winner in the Twisted 50 Short Story Competition 2016. Short story 'Fingers' to be published in the Twisted 50 Anthology.
Appearing at the Felixstowe Book Festival in 2015 and 2016 and the East Anglia Author Festival 2016.
Member of the CWA, ITW and East Anglian Authors.
Exclusion Zone and The Hunger Within published 2016 / 2017 by Endeavour Media.
The Night Caller published by Bookouture 2019.
www.jmhewitt.com Twitter: @jmhewitt FB: www.facebook.com/j.mhewittauthor
Shortlisted for the Inspire and Mentor Campaign – selected by Jojo Moyes 2012
Two books independently published in 2010 and 2013
Longlisted for the Retreat West First Chapter Competition 2015
Winner of the BritCrime Pitch Competition 2015
Winner in the Twisted 50 Short Story Competition 2016. Short story 'Fingers' to be published in the Twisted 50 Anthology.
Appearing at the Felixstowe Book Festival in 2015 and 2016 and the East Anglia Author Festival 2016.
Member of the CWA, ITW and East Anglian Authors.
Exclusion Zone and The Hunger Within published 2016 / 2017 by Endeavour Media.
The Night Caller published by Bookouture 2019.
www.jmhewitt.com Twitter: @jmhewitt FB: www.facebook.com/j.mhewittauthor
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 1, 2016
In 1981, Northern Ireland was on the brink of imploding under the weight of the Troubles. Bobby Sands was behind bars in the infamous Maze, organizing the hunger strike that would make him a martyr. Outside prison walls, it was business as usual. The British army patrolled the streets while Catholics & Protestants remained violently divided.
The story revolves around a small group of characters whose lives are forever altered by a single act.
Rose James has always been the quiet, obedient one. When she met Connor Dean, she couldn’t believe he was interested. As weeks turn into months, they continue to secretly meet.
Bronwyn Granger is a shadow of the girl she used to be. She was the feisty one when she & Rose were teenagers but 10 years of marriage has left her bitter & resigned to life in Newry. Her husband Danny sleeps all day & spends his nights doing things he won’t talk about.
One night as Connor meets Rose, he is viciously assaulted by a gang of men. The reason? Rose is Catholic & Connor is a Prod. For relatives on both sides, it’s the ultimate betrayal. In short order Rose is disowned by her family & living with Connor & his mother Mary.
When Bronwyn hears the news, she realizes what Danny has been up to & gives his name to police. Danny is thrown into the Maze where he joins his IRA brothers & “takes the blanket” as part of their campaign to draw attention to deplorable conditions & treatment at the hand of the Thatcher government. He expects Bronwyn to come to his rescue but strangely, the first visitor he gets is Mary. And she wants to make a deal.
The bargain they strike sets off a chain of events in their personal lives that mirrors what’s happening in the streets. As the story progresses, we learn the eerily similar backgrounds of Mrs. Dean & Mrs. James. The great irony is they are 2 women who should be able to understand each other & have sympathy for their children. But decades of ingrained suspicion across a religious chasm demands they be mortal enemies & neither can see past their own loss.
None of these characters are entirely likeable. But as their stories unfold, you realize they are victims of circumstance. There are many books that focus on the male perspective of this era but this one gives us a glimpse of what women they left behind had to endure. Poverty, violence & loss of a son or husband were part of everyday life.
There is a genuine sense of place to this novel. Descriptions of the weather, crumbling rowhouses & prison life ensure readers will feel the persistent damp & fear. It’s an absorbing & poignant tale of people so battered by generations of violence, hope is a distance memory. It’s not an easy read but then neither were their lives. It makes you think about what people can get used to. If you grow up under a relentless reign of prejudice & hate, inevitably it will shape your view of “normal”. Recommend for fans of Stuart Neville.
The story revolves around a small group of characters whose lives are forever altered by a single act.
Rose James has always been the quiet, obedient one. When she met Connor Dean, she couldn’t believe he was interested. As weeks turn into months, they continue to secretly meet.
Bronwyn Granger is a shadow of the girl she used to be. She was the feisty one when she & Rose were teenagers but 10 years of marriage has left her bitter & resigned to life in Newry. Her husband Danny sleeps all day & spends his nights doing things he won’t talk about.
One night as Connor meets Rose, he is viciously assaulted by a gang of men. The reason? Rose is Catholic & Connor is a Prod. For relatives on both sides, it’s the ultimate betrayal. In short order Rose is disowned by her family & living with Connor & his mother Mary.
When Bronwyn hears the news, she realizes what Danny has been up to & gives his name to police. Danny is thrown into the Maze where he joins his IRA brothers & “takes the blanket” as part of their campaign to draw attention to deplorable conditions & treatment at the hand of the Thatcher government. He expects Bronwyn to come to his rescue but strangely, the first visitor he gets is Mary. And she wants to make a deal.
The bargain they strike sets off a chain of events in their personal lives that mirrors what’s happening in the streets. As the story progresses, we learn the eerily similar backgrounds of Mrs. Dean & Mrs. James. The great irony is they are 2 women who should be able to understand each other & have sympathy for their children. But decades of ingrained suspicion across a religious chasm demands they be mortal enemies & neither can see past their own loss.
None of these characters are entirely likeable. But as their stories unfold, you realize they are victims of circumstance. There are many books that focus on the male perspective of this era but this one gives us a glimpse of what women they left behind had to endure. Poverty, violence & loss of a son or husband were part of everyday life.
There is a genuine sense of place to this novel. Descriptions of the weather, crumbling rowhouses & prison life ensure readers will feel the persistent damp & fear. It’s an absorbing & poignant tale of people so battered by generations of violence, hope is a distance memory. It’s not an easy read but then neither were their lives. It makes you think about what people can get used to. If you grow up under a relentless reign of prejudice & hate, inevitably it will shape your view of “normal”. Recommend for fans of Stuart Neville.
December 15, 2016
I liked the structure of this book. It tells the story in the third person from a female perspective. Yet into that is added in the first person the voice of Danny, a young IRA supporter who ends up joining the hunger strike.
This is a wonderfully researched novel that captures the human elements of families caught up in the struggles in Northern Ireland. Often it is the men who fought on both sides but the whole community endured the fallout.
I liked that it wasn't told with a political drive, those issues are touched upon but it is the aftermath of decisions that is central and the ability to live day to day.
Full of strong women, three mothers whose lives have been each blighted by violence and as seen in their children scarred by living through these times.
The writing is beautiful at times in capturing emotions and seeing intentions drift away due to passion or dogma. In the end it isn't clear what is truth or right as in trying to protect you harm and in trying to prevent the past returning you allow it to fill the present.
Above all the book is filled with believable characters who drive the story and you care for deeply. You want to save them from events yet they seem overtaken by it all and unable to save themselves.
A great piece of writing that sheds light on the struggles in Newry but reveals them through the human spirit. Women do. Well their deeds are seen here with clarity and insight making this a must read.
Having met this author I am blown away by the force and compassion of her novel. It demonstrates maturity beyond her years and is the fruit of research and an ability to engage with others to produce a story that needed telling. That now needs to be read.
This is a wonderfully researched novel that captures the human elements of families caught up in the struggles in Northern Ireland. Often it is the men who fought on both sides but the whole community endured the fallout.
I liked that it wasn't told with a political drive, those issues are touched upon but it is the aftermath of decisions that is central and the ability to live day to day.
Full of strong women, three mothers whose lives have been each blighted by violence and as seen in their children scarred by living through these times.
The writing is beautiful at times in capturing emotions and seeing intentions drift away due to passion or dogma. In the end it isn't clear what is truth or right as in trying to protect you harm and in trying to prevent the past returning you allow it to fill the present.
Above all the book is filled with believable characters who drive the story and you care for deeply. You want to save them from events yet they seem overtaken by it all and unable to save themselves.
A great piece of writing that sheds light on the struggles in Newry but reveals them through the human spirit. Women do. Well their deeds are seen here with clarity and insight making this a must read.
Having met this author I am blown away by the force and compassion of her novel. It demonstrates maturity beyond her years and is the fruit of research and an ability to engage with others to produce a story that needed telling. That now needs to be read.
June 1, 2020
This is my second J.M. Hewitt novel and she is definitely growing on me!
I found the start of the novel a little confusing as it jumped between characters and situations but once I go into the read it was easier to follow who was patriotic to whom, how and why. The premise of the book, based on the political unrest in Ireland in the early 1980s was fascinating. Having grown up with primary schoolyard jokes about Bobby Sands, it was a sobering experience to consider the real implication of the hunger strikes by prisoners in Ireland during Thatcher's rule; many aspects I had never considered.
Despite the Catholic/Protestant divide, this book focuses largely on the women who find themselves caught in a situation where the choices they make in life can lead to death. The Troubles are well documented, the characters are very memorable and their choices even more complicated and difficult to imagine.
An excellent political/drama set amid the real-life tragedy of religious conflict in Ireland.
I found the start of the novel a little confusing as it jumped between characters and situations but once I go into the read it was easier to follow who was patriotic to whom, how and why. The premise of the book, based on the political unrest in Ireland in the early 1980s was fascinating. Having grown up with primary schoolyard jokes about Bobby Sands, it was a sobering experience to consider the real implication of the hunger strikes by prisoners in Ireland during Thatcher's rule; many aspects I had never considered.
Despite the Catholic/Protestant divide, this book focuses largely on the women who find themselves caught in a situation where the choices they make in life can lead to death. The Troubles are well documented, the characters are very memorable and their choices even more complicated and difficult to imagine.
An excellent political/drama set amid the real-life tragedy of religious conflict in Ireland.
January 19, 2017
This book is very well written. It captures the Northern Ireland in the early 80's at the depths of the Troubles. brilliantly. . The story revolves around Rose- a Catholic girl involved with Connor a Protestant boy. When Connor is attacked Rose's mother throws her out and she takes refuge with Mary, Connor's mother- awful woman!!. When Rose's best friend Bronwen discovers that Danny, her husband, organised the attack she turns him in..
Although most of the book is told in the third person, there is a lot told by Danny, who is part of the Hunger Strike in the Maze
.I think it will take a while to shake off the atmosphere of menace and bleakness J M Hewitt creates. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this disturbing book
Although most of the book is told in the third person, there is a lot told by Danny, who is part of the Hunger Strike in the Maze
.I think it will take a while to shake off the atmosphere of menace and bleakness J M Hewitt creates. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this disturbing book
December 14, 2016
Set in 1981 when IRA prisoners were going on hunger strike in Northern Ireland, this story explores life, love and turmoil against the backdrop of the troubles.
My favourite character was Bronwyn. Facing the consequences of her husband's violence against her best friends boyfriend, she has to deal with all the fall out whilst trying to keep herself safe. Her personality and courage shine through the book.
Bronwyn's husband, Danny, begins a hunger strike thinking it'll make a difference and politics will change because of it. I liked how the author explored his opinions of the political climate of the time pre, during and after the strike. Also, how his thoughts about Bronwyn differed the longer his strike lasted.
I thought this was an exceptionally well written book that was also very well researched. I highly recommend both this and the author's previous book, Exclusion Zone.
My favourite character was Bronwyn. Facing the consequences of her husband's violence against her best friends boyfriend, she has to deal with all the fall out whilst trying to keep herself safe. Her personality and courage shine through the book.
Bronwyn's husband, Danny, begins a hunger strike thinking it'll make a difference and politics will change because of it. I liked how the author explored his opinions of the political climate of the time pre, during and after the strike. Also, how his thoughts about Bronwyn differed the longer his strike lasted.
I thought this was an exceptionally well written book that was also very well researched. I highly recommend both this and the author's previous book, Exclusion Zone.
November 14, 2016
Loved reading this book. I was only young when these hunger strikes took place. So had heard bits and pieces, but not much. This topic is very close to my heart. I grew up with a huge divide between us and the catholic religion. The town i live in today is still very hostile to catholics. with only 5% of the town being catholics.
The book gave a very brutal and frank storyline. The characters were lovely. Warmed to old Mrs Dean also for some strange reason. The story was very honest and was great to see the author got a lot of help on the honest truth for the book. Highly recommend this book.
The book gave a very brutal and frank storyline. The characters were lovely. Warmed to old Mrs Dean also for some strange reason. The story was very honest and was great to see the author got a lot of help on the honest truth for the book. Highly recommend this book.
February 11, 2017
Hewitt has written yet another book that is utterly different to anything else I've read. Exclusion Zone was set in a place I had little knowledge of. The Hunger Within is similar in that regard. But what unites them is the strong writing, the incredible research that is evident, the warm characters, and the weaving together of a great story. The novel captures so well the struggles in 1980s Northern Ireland, and shows this through the beautifully realised people, all flawed and striving for more. Wonderful.
February 4, 2017
WOW!
If you are after a History lesson and a really well written story you have come to the right author. Like Exclusion Zone before hand J M Hewitt tells us an amazing compelling story that will leave you researching what you just read to find out more.
When I thought about the book I wondered if the story was all over the place reading between characters but when I read the story I soon forgot this and couldn't wait to find out what would happen to the said character next.
Though this story includes sex and violence it is written in away that doesn't go into all the details and the mechanics of the situation but you know and realise what has just taken place.
Each scene in this book is imaginable and believable. Though this is my first book at 2017 J M Hewitt continues to earn her place as one of my favorite authors!
A must read, whether you are after a history lesson or just along for the ride!
If you are after a History lesson and a really well written story you have come to the right author. Like Exclusion Zone before hand J M Hewitt tells us an amazing compelling story that will leave you researching what you just read to find out more.
When I thought about the book I wondered if the story was all over the place reading between characters but when I read the story I soon forgot this and couldn't wait to find out what would happen to the said character next.
Though this story includes sex and violence it is written in away that doesn't go into all the details and the mechanics of the situation but you know and realise what has just taken place.
Each scene in this book is imaginable and believable. Though this is my first book at 2017 J M Hewitt continues to earn her place as one of my favorite authors!
A must read, whether you are after a history lesson or just along for the ride!
October 5, 2024
At the height of the Troubles, one would think that any normal people would keep their heads down and wait for a lull in the general violence. But in J.M. Hewitt’s short novel, The Hunger Within, five people get so tangled up in each others’ misery and anger that it’s just a matter of time before someone ends up dead...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
February 11, 2017
This is a very enlightening read - moving yet pedagogical at the same time. The reader becomes entwined with each character's personal struggle, and one can't help but feel empathy for everyone involved during this time of turmoil in Ireland. The ending is a tad disappointing because it is so cliche, but I couldn't help but be happy for Bronwyn's new beginning. Fun and quick read - I recommend this book.
January 14, 2018
This story wasn't what I thought it was going to be about, but it was still riveting! The characters were all so self-absorbed and mentally emotionally detached. Rose's character should've been the main character because she had the most depth. Bronwyn didn't deserve a happily ever after, she turned a blind eye to everything and blamed everyone else. I think Connor got his wakeup call to manhood. No more momma's boy and no more lovers to mooch affection off of. He finally will get some Independence, a backbone and real life tragedy no protection. Connor now will have to be more serious and mature about how he see's women and he values relationships. Danny's character is the only one had no connection to. I have no political affiliation and I would've turned him in too if I was his wife. I'm not going to prison because my selfish husband wants to be accepted. But it's a little different because Bronwyn knew he's been up to no good for years and she could've done and said more to fix the problem before it got to the point of no return. I thought this was going to be like the Hunger Games or something, but it was much more!
July 30, 2018
I enjoyed this very much. It’s not great literature, perhaps, but a good solid piece of storytelling, with interesting characters and an unpredictable plot. It explores the political and religious complexities of the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1980s, at the time of the hunger strikes, and I found it gave an atmospheric portrait of the tensions within the opposing communities. It verges on the melodramatic at times – but then these were indeed dramatic times – and on the whole I found the characters fairly convincing. It concentrates in the main on two families, and their interconnected stories are used to good effect to describe how difficult life was in that time and at that place. A good read.
February 21, 2017
Jeanette Hewitt is fast making a name for herself in the crime writing world with her original and fast-paced novels. This one concerns the roubles in Ireland, and focuses on the IRA hunger strikes. As part of her research Jeanette liaised with a man who had been on hunger strike, and these details were my favourite part of the novel.
I love that this author isn't afraid to choose such unusual settings: Chernobyl, The Maze prison...what next, I wonder?
A rising star. x
I love that this author isn't afraid to choose such unusual settings: Chernobyl, The Maze prison...what next, I wonder?
A rising star. x
December 27, 2016
a well written book but it was very confusing as well. I think that's why I didn't enjoy this as much as I should have because I was completely confused.
August 11, 2019
A hard-hitting tale of conflict between families and religions. I listened to this via Audible and the narration brought the compelling story to life.
April 7, 2020
I found it to be a bleak look for the time it was written for. Well written.
March 21, 2023
Gripping.
The stories of not just conflict between religions but also between family members. It certainly held me from the beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The stories of not just conflict between religions but also between family members. It certainly held me from the beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 4, 2020
Audiobook 🎵
At least the beginning of the story I was a little confused, I actually listened to the first hour twice but once I got into it I really really enjoyed it.
The story is based in Northern Ireland in the 80s and tells the story of Rose and Bronwen. Rose is a catholic girl who falls in love Conor a Protestant boy, her best friend Bronwen’s husband, Danny, joins the IRA and we hear the story of his experience in prison and his battle on hunger strike.
This isn’t my normal style of book but it was so interesting to hear about the struggles in Northern Ireland. It’s hard to imagine you can’t be with the person you love because they are a different religion because to me this is a really foreign idea, but obviously for some this was and is the reality of their life.
The description about Danny’s journey on hunger strike in prison was really harrowing. There was so much detail that clearly the author had really researched this period of time.
I would definitely recommend; if you have any connection to this time period in Ireland I can imagine this book would really relate to you.
Equally if like me you have no connection to this time period or the rules of religion I would still highly recommend; even as a learning material because the book is very well researched.
At least the beginning of the story I was a little confused, I actually listened to the first hour twice but once I got into it I really really enjoyed it.
The story is based in Northern Ireland in the 80s and tells the story of Rose and Bronwen. Rose is a catholic girl who falls in love Conor a Protestant boy, her best friend Bronwen’s husband, Danny, joins the IRA and we hear the story of his experience in prison and his battle on hunger strike.
This isn’t my normal style of book but it was so interesting to hear about the struggles in Northern Ireland. It’s hard to imagine you can’t be with the person you love because they are a different religion because to me this is a really foreign idea, but obviously for some this was and is the reality of their life.
The description about Danny’s journey on hunger strike in prison was really harrowing. There was so much detail that clearly the author had really researched this period of time.
I would definitely recommend; if you have any connection to this time period in Ireland I can imagine this book would really relate to you.
Equally if like me you have no connection to this time period or the rules of religion I would still highly recommend; even as a learning material because the book is very well researched.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews