When a novel about death provides many occasions for laughing out loud, you know that the author has achieved something special. First-time British novelist Cronin creates a beautiful friendship between terminally ill, 17-year-old Lenni Pettersson and colorful, 83-year-old Margot Macrame which begins when they meet under extraordinary circumstances at a Glasgow hospital ... Cronin’s strong talent for characterization and humor. Cronin has struck just 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. A Hollywood film adaptation is underway.
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. British novelist Cronin captures all the emotions and desires of these two tenacious women as they relive their pasts in order to make something permanent and leave their mark. Her easy prose sings with real warmth, candor and humor. Small in scope but large in humanity, The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot illuminates the steadying force of a heartfelt connection. Even in the face of death’s inevitability, friendship can be found, forgiveness can flourish and fun can ease fear.
In her debut novel, Marianne Cronin gives us the enthralling world of two fierce women facing the end of their lives at the Glasgow Princess Royal Hospital ... The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot will burrow into your heart and then shred it to pieces. In the face of death, Lenni and Margot find so much life, which inspires hope in even the grumpiest of Grinches. For lovers of cross-generational friendships, readers of The Big Finish, or those who are determined to face death with open eyes, this book is perfect for you.
Threading together these two lives, Cronin not only embellishes Lenni’s brief sojourn with Margot’s dramatic adventures, but also nimbly avoids drifting into sentimental clichés. So as Lenni’s health declines, Margot’s stories chase her true love through a broken marriage, criminal escapades, unexpected liaisons, and even a lost chicken story. A whimsical, joyous portrait of the ends of things.
