I was so chuffed when I was invited to review The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot as this seems to be a novel that the whole book community is raving about. I now have the delight of knowing why.
This is a book full of colour, vibrancy and wisdom. It is an unforgettable read made up of unforgettable characters and unforgettable friendships. Even though the theme of death runs throughout the narrative, this is a story about life, beauty and strength. It is definitely one of the most life-affirming books I have ever read and it really left its mark on me. It also made me smile a lot with its quirky humour and witty observations.
If you want to be uplifted, you need to read The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot.
This is a story about an inter-generational friendship that is truly life-affirming. Headstrong Lenni is 17 and Margot, who always dresses in purple is 83. Both patients in a Glasgow hospital, they are both facing death straight in the eye as Lenni now lives on the ward for ‘Children and young people with life-limiting conditions‘ and Margot is nearing the end of her life. Yet they are both so full of curiosity, life and adventure.
I loved Lenni’s inquisitive and rebellious character which leads her to seek Margot out after she first encounters the older woman ‘hanging halfway out of‘ a recycling bin. We later find out the poignant reason why Margot’s small, purple-clad body is comically submerged in a bin, as well as the reason why she is always dressed head to foot in purple. They both join the new art therapy class at the hospital and their bond is instant. As Lenni and Margot realise their united ages add up to one hundred, they decide to portray their joint years through artistic memories and stories.
I absolutely adored discovering all about Margot’s life taking her from Glasgow, to London, to Warwickshire and beyond. It is a life full of love, loss and Margot’s unique spirit. Throughout Margot’s memories, her warmth and beautiful sense of humour are always present.
The poignancy of Lenni’s memories are so acute and moving. Believe me, reading Lenni’s story you will need your hankies close at hand. She is a character with such maturity, determination and independence that needs to be celebrated.
This is a beautiful book with kindness and friendship at its core. As well as the friendship of Lenni and Margot, we also explore Lenni’s friendships with the hospital chaplain Father Arthur and ‘New Nurse’. These are friendships that are so heartwarming and really touched me. And then there is the story of ‘The Temp’, which although a small sub-plot of this beautiful book is so emotional and powerful. I loved this particular character and how the full circle of her story is portrayed.
The One Years of Lenni and Margot was published on 18th February 2021 by Doubleday/Transworld. It is an ideal, uplifting lockdown novel that I urge you to read.
Thank you Anne Cater from Random Things Tours for inviting me to read and review The One Years of Lenni and Margot, a truly beautiful book. It is heartwarming but at times it is sure to break your heart too.
To also read the reviews from my fellow book bloggers on the blog tour, please see below.
Happy reading everyone! 🙂
My rating:
Thanks so much for the blog tour support x