Description

WINNER OF THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS DISCOVER BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025
THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES, THE TIMES, SUNDAY POST AND iPAPER BESTSELLER
WATERSTONES SCOTTISH BOOK OF THE MONTH
WINNER OF 2024 SCOTS BOOK OF THE YEAR
SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKS ARE MY BAG READER AWARD 2024

And I have done more than just simply get by
So much more than escape or survive
Through the galvanisation of love, time and patience
I’ll take hold of my story and thrive.
After life that was seldom what life ought to be
Through laughter and love I’ll be whole
This story is mine from the cover to spine
And the narrative I will control

Whether she’s writing letters to her younger self, advocating for women’s rights or adapting fairy tales to process an abusive relationship, Len’s voice is bold, unashamedly frank and unmistakably hers.

The poems in this collection, both funny and fiercely feminist, announce a formidable new talent. Moving deftly between English and Scots, poyums is as approachable as it is affecting.

Publisher Review

A poet who redefines what poetry is and who it is for — LEMN SISSAY The keeper and reinventor of the Scots language in the 21st century — IAN MCMILLAN I think Lennie is brilliant. She has such talent and passion and joy — MICHAEL SHEEN I adore Lennie’s poetry — NIGELLA LAWSON Pennie already – in this first collection – shows an impressive command of poetic technique [ . . . ] this intense and remarkable collection now marks her out as a poetic voice to be reckoned with – strong, tested, skilful, driven, and facing firmly towards the future * * Scotsman * * A challenging funny naughty angry and exultant celebration of the Scottish language and of womanhood, I doubt it will find a match this year * * Daily Mail * * An unforgettable voice that takes on the power of English and Scots and lingers in the spaces in-between. These poyums made me wince, laugh, and marvel — SUSIE DENT Poyums by Len Pennie is a wonderful debut, these poems are packed with courage and truth and fierce fire, I found vulnerability and tenderness shared here and also brutal honesty, this book is a bold and beautiful rallying cry — SALENA GODDEN Len Pennie shares hersel, hert and soul, in this brilliant collection. Stunningly honest, vivid and skilled, her poyums bleeze wi passion, power and beauty, skinkle wi beautiful gems of language — ANNE DONOVAN Lively and honest, accessible and full of spirit, Len Pennie has a way of cutting direct to the heart of the matter, of saying what should be said, in the way it should be said, that is central to poetry — HARRY JOSEPHINE GILES