One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin

I am pretty savvy when it comes to recommending biographies. I can tell when I meet a person at a cocktail party what kind of biographies they might like or dislike. But when it comes to fiction I'm a little less self-assured. So I always take note when a friend recommends a fiction book that might be up my alley, especially someone who has known me as long as my friend Page has. She knows I work at a hospice, and books about death and dying are my jam. "The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot" by Marianne Cronin takes place in a Glasgow hospital, and chronicles the intergenerational story of two patients who meet in an art therapy class in the Rose Room. Lenni is just 17 years old and is suffering from a terminal illness, while Margot is 83 years old, and in the hospital for heart surgery. They form a friendship and realize together they have lived 100 years. They decide to paint a picture in their art class representing each year of their lives, and share stories and events that were meaningful to each. Supported by a cast of quirky hospital staff, like Father Arthur from the local church and crabby Nurse Jacky, the chapters of Lenni and Margot's lives are beautifully woven together into one rich tapestry. The fact that these two might not have met if not for their health issues, makes their bond even more magical. This marks Cronin's debut novel, and I look forward to see what she writes next. Thank you, Page ! To buy this book on Amazon click here.