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The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot: A Novel Hardcover – June 1, 2021

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 17,404 ratings

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“A beautiful debut, funny, tender, and animated by a willingness to confront life’s obstacles and find a way to survive. . . . It celebrates friendship, finds meaning in difficulty and lets the reader explore dark places while always allowing for the possibility of light. Lenni and Margot are fine companions for all our springtime journeys.”—Harper’s Bazaar, UK 

A charming, fiercely alive and disarmingly funny debut novel in the vein of John Green, Rachel Joyce, and Jojo Moyes—a brave testament to the power of living each day to the fullest, a tribute to the stories that we live, and a reminder of our unlimited capacity for friendship and love.

An extraordinary friendship. A lifetime of stories. 

Seventeen-year-old Lenni Pettersson lives on the Terminal Ward at the Glasgow Princess Royal Hospital. Though the teenager has been told she’s dying, she still has plenty of living to do. Joining the hospital’s arts and crafts class, she meets the magnificent Margot, an 83-year-old, purple-pajama-wearing, fruitcake-eating rebel, who transforms Lenni in ways she never imagined.

As their friendship blooms, a world of stories opens for these unlikely companions who, between them, have been alive for one hundred years. Though their days are dwindling, both are determined to leave their mark on the world. With the help of Lenni’s doting palliative care nurse and Father Arthur, the hospital’s patient chaplain, Lenni and Margot devise a plan to create one hundred paintings showcasing the stories of the century they have lived—stories of love and loss, of courage and kindness, of unexpected tenderness and pure joy.

Though the end is near, life isn’t quite done with these unforgettable women just yet.

Delightfully funny and bittersweet, heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting, The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot reminds us of the preciousness of life as it considers the legacy we choose to leave, how we influence the lives of others even after we’re gone, and the wonder of a friendship that transcends time.

From the beautiful cover to the heart-warming story, The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot is a book that will touch your soul and make you appreciate the beauty of life. This literary fiction novel is one of the best books of all time, and it's perfect for anyone who loves novels about love, grief, and friendship.

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Seventeen-year-old Lenni lives in the section of the Glasgow hospital for those who are terminally ill. She is alone because her mother returned to Sweden and Lenni told her father to follow a new girlfriend to Poland since his visits depressed her. She creates her own family with new friends. Father Arthur, the hospital chaplain, accepts her wit and disbelief when they speak. Lenni does not enjoy the company of other teens and joins an art session for those over 80, where she and 83-year-old Margot become close. The structure of the novel is clever as Lenni and Margot paint the story of their combined 100 years. The bittersweet story relates Margot's tragedies and romances while Lenni provides humorous dialogue. Teens will love the tearjerker ending. VERDICT Purchase for all collections serving teens.-Karlan Sick, formerly at New York P.L.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

“With a sensibility that's as compassionate and quirky as those of her two indelible heroines, Marianne Cronin offers a deceptively lighthearted response to life’s heaviest questions. As Lenni and Margot leave their mark on one another, so too does this tearjerker of a book leave its mark on the reader.” — Kathleen Rooney, author of Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk and Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey    

 “Graceful, intelligent, beautiful writing. Full of wisdom and kindness. It is just the kind of book I adore.” — Joanna Cannon, author of The Trouble with Goats and Sheep

“Sharp and funny, warm and wise, a remarkable friendship sparks two lifetimes of shared stories in one unforgettable book. I loved it.” — Jess Kidd, author of Himself

“Gorgeously poignant novel . . . unexpectedly funny, touching and so uplifting.” — Good Housekeeping

"A gorgeous, heartbreaking story readers won't soon forget." — Elle (Most Anticipated Books of 2021)

"With it's uplifting message, the story is both poignant and also comical." — Cosmopolitan (20 Book's You're Going to Want to Read this Summer)

“A beautiful debut, funny, tender, and animated by a willingness to confront life’s obstacles and find a way to survive. . . . It celebrates friendship, finds meaning in difficulty and lets the reader explore dark places while always allowing for the possibility of light. Lenni and Margot are fine companions for all our springtime journeys.” — Harper’s Bazaar, UK (Author of the Month)

"Cronin has just struck the right balance between sensitivity and sentimentality, making her one of those admirable writers who does exceptionally fine work both celebrating life and addressing death." — Booklist

“You need a hanky to hand for this exquisite story of friendship . . . Their story is the most beautifully written love letter to friendship, managing to make you laugh and cry uncontrollably. It’s quite simply brilliant!” — Woman & Home, UK

“This multi-generational novel about friendship is something special: moving, joyful, and life-affirming.” — Good Housekeeping, UK (Book of the Month)

“Glorious debut about friendship . . . Touching, honest, and funny.” — Prima (Book of the Month)

"A heart-warming story about how friendship can grow between people of different generations." — BBC

"A beautiful, tender ode to friendship, love and our chosen legacies." — Washington Post (Best Feel-Good Books of 2021)

“Cronin’s characters are fully drawn, and chime together to tell a sweet story about connection, loss, and living.” — Irish Times

"Cronin’s touching debut is a joyous celebration of friendship, love, and life." — Publishers Weekly

"Marianne Cronin’s first novel brims with so much life. . . . With love and tenderness on every page, this imaginative novel is a joy to read." — BookPage (starred review)

"After meeting in the terminal ward’s art class, two women (one 17 and one 83) bond through life, love and friendship in this Uplifting and heartstring-tugging story." — Parade (Ultimate Summer Reading List)

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper; First Edition (June 1, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 006309276X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063092761
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.18 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 17,404 ratings

About the author

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Marianne Cronin
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Marianne Cronin is the author of 'The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot', which was voted 'Most Uplifting Book of 2021' by The Independent, won the American Libraries Association Alex Award, and was shortlisted for a Goodreads Choice award for fiction. It has been translated into over 25 languages.

Marianne's second novel, 'Eddie Winston is Looking for Love' will be released in 2024.

Marianne was born in 1990 and after gaining a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Birmingham, worked in academia until becoming a writer. She lives in the Midlands of England with her family and her cat.

You can find Marianne on Instagram at: @itsmariannecronin

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
17,404 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the book for its heartwarming story and touching experiences. They find it an enjoyable and solid read from start to finish. The pacing is described as funny and heartfelt, with moments of laughter and tears. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters and their reflections. The writing quality is praised as well-crafted and easy to read. Overall, customers describe the book as uplifting and comforting, changing their perspective on dying and what it truly means to never give up.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

174 customers mention "Heartwarming story"174 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the tender story that makes them laugh and cry. They find the stories touching, filled with experiences like babies being born, best friends, families, and hard times. The book draws them into each story, drawing them into a compelling web of tragedy, happiness, and resilience.

"...The characters and their conflicts seem quite real, and the structure of the novel works...." Read more

"You will fall in love with these characters. This tender story will make you laugh sometimes and cry at other times...." Read more

"This book is about life, love, loss, and most importantly friendship...." Read more

"This is a beautifully written novel about a warm friendship between two women who are patients in hospital...." Read more

162 customers mention "Readability"156 positive6 negative

Customers enjoyed the book. They found it enjoyable, uplifting, and a solid read. The characters were interesting and relatable. The story was sweet, sentimental, and sad at times.

"...I enjoyed the book and hated to part company with Lennie and Margot at the conclusion of it." Read more

"Truly enjoyed this book. It’s been a long time a book had me crying ." Read more

"So well written. Such loving characters! One of the best book I have read in a while. I hated for it to end!" Read more

"...I found it to be most uplifting and enjoyable, and I definitely recommend it…" Read more

84 customers mention "Pacing"71 positive13 negative

Customers find the book's pacing engaging. They describe it as heartfelt, funny, and uplifting. The subject of death is handled realistically, with humor and warmth.

"This novel is quirky, poignant, illuminating, and funny...." Read more

"Truly enjoyed this book. It’s been a long time a book had me crying ." Read more

"...This tender story will make you laugh sometimes and cry at other times...." Read more

"This author has an original story, so unconventional I thought this might be based off true life events...." Read more

68 customers mention "Character development"68 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters and their relationships. They find the characters relatable and endearing, with realistic perspectives on funny and painful topics. The friendship between Lenni and Margot is also appreciated.

"...well as a vehicle for the unfolding of life events, for the bonding of the characters, and for the posing of questions - for framing Lennie’s and..." Read more

"...The author writes with such tenderness and her characters have so much depth...." Read more

"So well written. Such loving characters! One of the best book I have read in a while. I hated for it to end!" Read more

"...I found myself rooting for the characters throughout their journeys and sharing in their highs and lows." Read more

58 customers mention "Writing quality"51 positive7 negative

Customers find the book well-written with perfect narration. They appreciate the engaging characters, descriptions, phrasing, and wordplay. The writing style is easy to read and the story has a sweet quality that few stories have.

"I just loved this book. The author writes with such tenderness and her characters have so much depth...." Read more

"So well written. Such loving characters! One of the best book I have read in a while. I hated for it to end!" Read more

"This is a beautifully written novel about a warm friendship between two women who are patients in hospital...." Read more

"...However, it speaks to the quality of writing that I made it till the end because at times it felt like a challenge to stay with it...." Read more

54 customers mention "Uplifting"54 positive0 negative

Customers find the book uplifting and comforting. It changes their perspective on dying and what it truly means to never give up. They say it reminds them not to give up, find love in unlikely places, and treasure. The book celebrates life and urges them to embrace their mortality.

"...that is quite an accomplishment: there is sadness, but the novel is never cloying and seldom morose...." Read more

"...I found it to be most uplifting and enjoyable, and I definitely recommend it…" Read more

"...of the book revolves around illness and mortality, it is filled with moments of joy, star gazing, and the many types of love interspersed with light..." Read more

"...It was very sweet, sentimental and sad." Read more

25 customers mention "Beauty"25 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's vivid imagery and realistic depiction of the characters. They appreciate how the art is used to depict the story, with descriptions that make them seem real. The concept of creating a painting and sharing the memory it represents is also appreciated.

"I read the whole book in a day! So good I couldn’t put it down! So real and heartfelt...." Read more

"...Love how art was used in depicting their story." Read more

"...that the subject of death wasn’t painted darkly, yet it was painted realistically. Thank you for that, Marianne...." Read more

"This is such a lovely story! Emotional, heartwarming, sad and beautiful, bittersweet and it’s a must read...." Read more

24 customers mention "Thought provoking"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and meaningful. They appreciate the author's wisdom and spirit. The book makes them reflect on life and examine their own experiences. Readers praise the author's weaving of the interesting lives of Lenni and Margot together. While dealing with heavy subject matter, it manages to come across as whimsical.

"...However, I think the message is a good one. I would recommend this book because a lot of people seemed to love it. Once again, I am the outlier!" Read more

"...The author brings each person alive and multidimensional. She conveys an understanding of how complicated people and relationships can be...." Read more

"...Lenni is a treasure and an inspiration, one of the most alive people i have ever "met." Each of the characters is real enough to touch...." Read more

"Really makes me think. Certainly changes my perspective on dying and what it truly means to never give up. Thank you." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2024
    This novel is quirky, poignant, illuminating, and funny. When death hovers throughout a work, that is quite an accomplishment: there is sadness, but the novel is never cloying and seldom morose. I love Lennie, Margot, Arthur, New Nurse, Pippa, and Humphrey; I feel ambivalent about Meena. The characters and their conflicts seem quite real, and the structure of the novel works. The one hundred-year idea works well as a vehicle for the unfolding of life events, for the bonding of the characters, and for the posing of questions - for framing Lennie’s and Margot’s journeys and for providing glimpses of other characters’ development and changes too. I enjoyed the book and hated to part company with Lennie and Margot at the conclusion of it.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2024
    Truly enjoyed this book. It’s been a long time a book had me crying .
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2024
    I just loved this book. The author writes with such tenderness and her characters have so much depth. I really think anyone that reads this book will find the friendship between Lenni and Margo one they will not forget.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2024
    So well written. Such loving characters! One of the best book I have read in a while. I hated for it to end!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024
    You will fall in love with these characters. This tender story will make you laugh sometimes and cry at other times. I found myself rooting for the characters throughout their journeys and sharing in their highs and lows.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2023
    This book is about life, love, loss, and most importantly friendship. What I liked about this book is that it really makes you realize that every second of life is precious. I know that this book is supposed to be about the friendship between Lenni and Margot, but those two just didn’t resonate with me. In the middle of a chapter, we read about Margot’s years within other chapters (most of the time), and the points of view change from Lenni to Margot. The relationship that I enjoyed the most was that between Lenni and Father Arthur, the priest in the hospital. She questioned religion and he didn’t bat an eye. He even admits that he doesn’t have all the answers. It almost felt like a father daughter relationship at times. I felt more of a connection there because it seemed that we really saw Lenni’s personality shine through. I did cry towards the end, but not as much as I thought I was going to cry, and didn’t love the book as much as I was told that I would! However, I think the message is a good one. I would recommend this book because a lot of people seemed to love it. Once again, I am the outlier!
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024
    This is a beautifully written novel about a warm friendship between two women who are patients in hospital. I found it to be most uplifting and enjoyable, and I definitely recommend it…
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2022
    I love senior citizens and the premise of a teenager and a senior becoming besties was a big draw for me. But the fact that they are both confined to a hospital and terminal makes the story very heavy, even with the noteable giggles throughout. However, it speaks to the quality of writing that I made it till the end because at times it felt like a challenge to stay with it. I usually only read at night before going to sleep and a lot of this story had some deep emotional crap happening that didn't make for the best bedtime story. The only way I'd recommend this book is if you enjoy tearjerkers. I don't.
    8 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • kw
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, the characters became my friends.
    Reviewed in Canada on July 22, 2021
    Loved this book. Made me laugh and cry and captured my interest in between. The delightful relationship of an old lady and a young girl, both with the same feisty independent spirit, makes for a delightful read.
  • Jeanne
    5.0 out of 5 stars The one hundred Years of Lenni and Margot
    Reviewed in Germany on February 7, 2023
    A very nice, feel-good read...
  • Nicola
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfection!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 20, 2021
    "We can’t know why you are dying in the same way we can’t know why we are living. Living and dying are complete mysteries, and you can’t know either until you have done both."

    WOW!!!!

    Having read this book I now need to reassess my previous 5 ⭐️ reads. This book is up there, in the top 3 of the best books I have ever read!!!!! I have so much to say about it, but I’m struggling to do it the justice it deserves. Here goes….

    This book tells the story of Lenni a 17 year old who has a terminal illness. Although fighting this illness Lenni is alive and wants to live. She refuses with all her strength to let this illness take her life. She sees herself as the person she should be, not who she now is. Lenni is wise beyond her years. She is a beautiful character who is well liked by everyone that she meets, in walks Margot.

    Margot is an 83 year old within the same hospital as Lenni and she is suffering with heart problems for which she requires more surgery.

    They become unlikely friends at an art class set up for the patients within the hospital.

    This book is absolute perfection. It tells the story so beautifully of two unlikely friends and how they bond over a joint project dreamt up by Lenni. We hear about the lives of both, the happiness and sadness leading up to them being in hospital. There is a lot of the story that is of Margot’s life, not surprising really as she has a lot more to tell as she is much older.

    I laughed out loud several times during the book. However as the book went on the sadness started to hang over me. This book is a complete celebration of life and love and to be honest it makes you think about the impressions you leave on your own friends and family. This book is thought provoking on another level. The writing is beautiful, the characters are all so well developed. I cannot believe that this is Cronin’s debut novel!!

    If you were wanting to choose a book that will leave a lasting impression on you, then don’t delay in reading this, you won’t be disappointed, sad definitely but not disappointed.
  • Sandy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow
    Reviewed in Australia on October 13, 2024
    This was a wonderful novel that left me thinking about it days and weeks later.
  • 参道楽
    5.0 out of 5 stars ふたりで100歳
    Reviewed in Japan on April 17, 2022
    つかみのコンセプトでキャラクターがしっかり心に残った。ハッピーな話ではないが、ユーモアある対話にて軽やかに描かれていて秀逸。アーサー司祭の立ち位置から、キリスト教が今のイギリスの若い世代にどのような位置にあるのかが覗えて興味深かった