Listen free for 30 days

1 credit a month, good for any title to download and keep.
The Plus Catalogue—listen all you want to thousands of Audible Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks.
$14.95 a month plus applicable taxes after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot cover art

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot

Written by: Marianne Cronin
Narrated by: Sheila Reid,Rebecca Benson
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $40.01

Buy Now for $40.01

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

“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.

©2021 Marianne Cronin (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    119
  • 4 Stars
    27
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    3
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    125
  • 4 Stars
    8
  • 3 Stars
    3
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    3
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    106
  • 4 Stars
    24
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    4

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

So good!

This is one of the best books I've read / listened to a long time, and I read a lot of books. I laughed as hard as I cried and my heart is exploding right now. The performance of this audiobook was so good. I'm sad it's over!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Heartwarming

This story made me laugh, weep, reflect deeply about my relationships, current and past, and about my legacy.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The best read of 2023

What a delight this book was to listen to. The two voices are perfect for their roles. Beautifully written, great book!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

My favourite book

I loved this book. Made my smile and made my cry. I loved the characters so much. Thumbs up for this one !

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Powerful story

What a journey this book took me on. The characters are so interesting. I laughed and I cried, most books don’t do that to me. It takes a bit to get into it but then I was hooked. Listened to it twice in a row! Excellent narration too.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

What a great story!

The voices are perfect for this audio book. I would definitely recommend this to others. So many things to think about in your own life no matter what age you are.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Hit every emotion

I didn’t know if I was going to like this one at first. But once I was into it I could not stop listening. Finished the book in two days. I laughed, I was angry and I cried.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

endearing characters, lovingly portrayed

I loved listening to this book.  Narrators felt like the actual characters telling their stories.  Witty, heart-warming, tear jerker.  Complicated subjects represented with gentle honesty.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Beautiful sorry about love and loss

I really enjoyed this story about Lenni and Margot. The truth of love and loss was told beautifully through the stories of these unlikely friends. I felt like I knew them and shed many tears while reading it.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent story!

I loved this book! The story, the narrators, the length - all just exactly the way a book should be. One of the best books I've listened to so far.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Patricia
  • Patricia
  • 2021-06-03

A Must Read (Listen)

I suggest you listen to this book rather than read it. The narration and accents (to the American ear) bring this story to life. I do not mean to imply the story does not stand on its own. It does! I just think the narration makes it even more spectacular. I read somewhere that the author took seven years to write this book. I believe it. You will love and enjoy the story and the characters.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

55 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Terry B
  • Terry B
  • 2021-06-19

Surprising and wonderful!

My eyes are damp from crying at the ending of Lenni & Margot. At first I didn't think I'd like it, but not for long. It was wonderful! It really does the thing you want a story to do; It's one of those books that you're reminded of at random times of life. Like when you're looking at the stars...

Do read or listen to it. I listened, and the excellent narration added to the enriching experience.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

42 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Carole
  • Carole
  • 2021-09-05

You will laugh You will cry.

Intense subject, life in all of its glory and frailty. Having listened to this at the age of 57 I am realizing my own place in life and what has happened to me. This story of Margo and Lenni was deeply touching. It drew me in right away and I thoroughly enjoyed the audio version. Laughing and crying while driving on the Pennsylvania turnpike! If you enjoy a good emotional workout you will love this story.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

28 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Nancy101814
  • Nancy101814
  • 2021-10-21

Amazing!

I started this book thinking it would be alright, not wonderful. I was mistaken. Following the lives of both Lenni and Margot was an adventure. I didn't want it to stop. The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot is a rare book that transported me to so many times and places. Both narrators know their craft well. The actor who played Margot was especially good at convincing me she was an elderly lady with giggles and chuckles that added to the story.
One of the best books I've experienced in a long time!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

25 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Penelope Wood
  • Penelope Wood
  • 2021-06-24

If sobbing were my job, I’d be a millionaire.

There are books that just change you. This is one of those books. I feel privileged to have read it.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

25 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Amazon Customer
  • Amazon Customer
  • 2021-08-08

excellent book

the narration was the best I've heard and the book itself was funny and sad and heartwarming

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

19 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Amazon Customer
  • Amazon Customer
  • 2021-12-04

Endearing original, unforgettable

Don’t miss this book in audible. It is a complete production where a girl in pink pajamas will steal your heart through the song of her voice from the beginning question for Father Arthur, “Why am I dying”. You will want to send this book to everyone you love.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Andrea Antonio
  • Andrea Antonio
  • 2021-09-27

weird narration

every last word of every sentence is drawn out. "dresserrrr" "mealllll" herrrrr" "Cradllllle" it's too annoying. can't listen past 5 min. returning this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Sandy
  • Sandy
  • 2021-12-04

Great Story

I loved both Narrators, but Margo's was spectacular. lived her little giggles here and there. That made it so special.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for kelly
  • kelly
  • 2021-10-30

Good story but sloshy speech for Margo was awful

The narration by Margo was difficult - it sounded like her dentures were not secure. The result was a slurring and slurpy speech that was very distracting and irritating.
The story itself was beautifully written - maybe read instead of listen to this one.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

13 people found this helpful