Reviews

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin

r_bynn's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

kendallrosenlof's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

sdgottlieb's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

bprinter's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

kfrig's review against another edition

3.0

Sweet story. Not exceptional. Not bad.

graciouslyrooted's review against another edition

4.5

I’m so so glad I put this one on my 23 to finish in 23, I’ve been sitting on this book for way too long. 

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot had me in stitches a couple of time and tears quite a few times. It has passages I wish I had highlighted and characters that will stay with me for a long, long time. It was tender, and sad, and hilarious, and hopeful, and wonderfully well done. 

samstone's review

emotional hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

kimberlymichelle's review against another edition

DNF
Good book and narration but not in the mood right now. May pick it up again another time 

lolovestoread's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

hpdischler's review against another edition

4.0

So, I’m not gonna lie, this book took me two tries to get through. It isn’t necessarily because of the fact that it’s bad—it’s actually a really great story—I’m just not the type of person who likes anecdotal novels. This is definitely one of those stories. However, the characters were sharp, witty, developed, and beautifully crafted. The small displays of life in its finer moments (and some that are not so fine), really captivated me.

As far as plot goes, like I said, it’s extremely anecdotal, so the main thing moving the novel forward is the completion of each new painting. Margot’s life was simultaneously heartbreaking and endearing. Lenni’s life felt like she was always in this game that she was trying to win, as if she were trying to prove to the world and herself that she wasn’t actually dying.

I know this sounds extremely depressing, but it’s ironic how this book is more cheerful than anything. The liveliness of this story and its characters really brought this book to life. More than anything, though, it shows how much mindset can change a person’s perspective on life. Lenni had the mindset of an eternal optimist and I loved her for it.

Overall, I definitely suggest this book to those of you who enjoy the stories about characters with terminal illnesses and how they overcome their diagnosis (on more ways than one). It is heartfelt, funny, and beautiful in ways that many other books aren’t.

Favorite quote: “‘You’re my silverfish.’”