Published in 2021, Marianne Cronin’s The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot is an adult realistic fiction novel. Two women with terminal conditions—17-year-old Lenni and 83-year-old Margot—become close friends and decide to create 100 paintings, one for each year of their lives. The novel won an Alex Award in 2022 and explores themes of friendship, stories, and forgiveness. The story alternates between Lenni’s and Margot’s viewpoints and uses flashbacks to explore their memories. The book references alcohol addiction, animal abuse, and anti-gay language.

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin is warmly received for its poignant storytelling and unique character dynamics. Critics praise the emotional depth and charm of the intergenerational friendship. Some find the narrative occasionally melodramatic, but overall, it's lauded for its heartwarming and thoughtful exploration of life and mortality.

Readers who relish heartfelt, character-driven narratives like The Fault in Our Stars by John Green or A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman will find joy in The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin. This novel weaves humor and poignancy, appealing to those who appreciate life-affirming tales and the exploration of unconventional friendships.

Marianne Cronin

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

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Overview

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The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot Summary and Study Guide

Background

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-11

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot Part 1, Chapters 1-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 12-28

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot Part 1, Chapters 12-28 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 29-38

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot Part 2, Chapters 29-38 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 39-51

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot Part 2, Chapters 39-51 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 52-66

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot Part 3, Chapters 52-66 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 67-75

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot Part 3, Chapters 67-75 Summary & Analysis

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot?

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