The one Hundred years of Lenni and Margot - Marianne Cronin

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot centers around Lenni, a 17-year-old girl who is terminally ill and living in a hospice. Lenni has a vibrant, rebellious spirit, but her life is cut short due to a medical condition. She meets Margot, a 83-year-old woman who has also spent her final days at the hospice. Margot is lively, witty, and full of life, despite her age and declining health.

The two form an unexpected bond as they spend time together, often reminiscing about their pasts. One day, Lenni proposes an idea: together, they will create a list of the most significant moments in their lives to commemorate their 100 years of existence. Lenni has only lived 17 years, but with Margot’s 83 years of wisdom, they combine their stories to create an impressive collection of memories and life lessons.

Throughout the novel, the reader learns about Lenni’s childhood, her complicated relationship with her parents, and her dreams that were never fully realized. Margot, on the other hand, reveals a rich, complex life filled with both joy and sorrow, including a love story that deeply impacted her. As the two women explore their memories, they share moments of humor, sorrow, and resilience, discovering the power of friendship and the strength of human connection.

The book is ultimately about how life, even at the end, is filled with meaning, joy, and beauty when you find the right person to share it with. Lenni and Margot’s friendship helps them face their fears, regrets, and wishes, showing the reader that every life, no matter how short, has value.