The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot: A Novel

Written by Marianne Cronin

Narrated by Sheila Reid and Rebecca Benson

“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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Jun 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9780063017528

Marianne Cronin

Marianne Cronin was born in 1990 and grew up in Warwickshire. After gaining her PhD in applied linguistics, she worked in academia until becoming a writer. Her first novel, The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot, published by Harper Perennial in 2021, was shortlisted for a Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction, and received the American Library Association Alex Award. She lives in the Midlands with her family and her cat.

Reviews for The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot

[Wendy Morison · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is honestly one of the most beautiful and touching audio books I have ever listened to! Inventively written and emotionally stirring - funny and sad. It was also perfectly narrated. I so enjoyed the Scottish accents. Thank you for sharing this with the world!

[Angie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A sweet fun story about love, friendship, and the adventure of life.

[Juliette Jaeger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it! I laughed and I cried! What a beautiful story!

[Lynne Chaloux · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The narration - especially of Lenni (the young girl) is just outstanding and really adds character to this excellent read.

[Sharon Hall · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a marvelous journey with these two main characters. Time well spent in their company.

[katiebaby1414 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a book with such a depth of character that I instantly missed them when I finished the book. Amazing humor, and a true realness that leaves you feeling almost abandoned when there are no more pages to read.

[Amy Webster · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I like d the friendship between Margo and Lennie and their “project “. Nice story.

[Becky Shepherd · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best I've ever read! ❤️ Read it!

[Dayna Bennett · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is going on the Forever Bookshelf. I admit it took a couple chapters to feel committed to it, but then…wow. Such a beautiful story. The blending of their two lives and reflections on the past giving them BOTH so much. A wonderful, full circle ending that requires you to read with a box of tissues. Loved it dearly.

[Meg Mitchell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book so much! Worth the read the stories are just lovely

[Cindy Woodruff · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I loved Lennie's narrative, and I liked Margot 's at first. It pulled me out of the story when Margot first had an affair with Mina and then with Humphrey. Neither seemed in character for her.

[Jack Palmaro · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Denise Palmaro

One of the best books I have listened to. One of the few I would recommend. Deeply moving, heartwarmingly sad and uplifting all at the same time. Sheila Reid and Rebecca Benson brought Margot and Lenni to life for me. This book left me in tears, and missing these so lovable characters.

[Claire · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lovely story, beautiful relationships, spirited emotional characters, and very well written. A lovely flow, with a perfect last few chapters. Plenty of time to process all of the above.

[Amy Fortin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The parallels between Margo and Lenni, the heart aches of Margo, the courage of Lenni. This book made me LOL and cry multiple times! HIGHLY recommend!

[Norma Sandoval Leal · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Friendship goes beyond all limits and sets minds and hearts free. This is what makes true family and all of it worthwhile.

[Suzanne Stovall · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story captivated me from the beginning ! I know Lennie and Margo now. Wonder author!

[kelly stocker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Will rip the heart out of your chest in a wonderful way.

[Patty Walters Pitts · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a BEAUTIFUL story of ageless friendship found in the oddest of places. I didn’t want it to end!

[Jessica Harrison · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book has given all the feels. The character development and story line were incredible. The wonderful friendship between Lenni & Margot shows that we can have friends of all ages and that our story lives on in the legacy that we leave. This one is worth a second read.

[Judi Graver · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thought provoking , sad, and wonderful all at the same time.

[Gene Campilongo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story, though a little sad, is lovely. I loved every word and chapter. A “must” read if you are into smiles, laughter and maybe a few tears

[Amanda Koppes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was an excellent story with an excellent narrator. The story was beautiful, I really enjoyed this one.

[Debbie Wilburn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A story of youth, aging, friendship and living every moment.

[Jennifer Vogel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a beautiful story of an unlikely friendship. I will certainly be thinking of this book and revisiting in the future.

[Natalie Zwaan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a sad and beautifully moving story. Lots of laughs and tears.

[Jeanne Acuña · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very sweet, amusing, touching story. Loved all the characters!

[Gloria Wooldridge · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Everyone should listen to this book. Voice were superb and it’s a darn good story.

[Danielle Dwyer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Gorgeous story!! Read by lovely Scottish voices. Loved it so!

[Helga Skjelbreia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A beautiful story of love and friendship, living and dying.

[Lisa Harasimchuk · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a wonderful life and love story. Well worth the read.