THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES, THE TIMES, SUNDAY POST AND iPAPER BESTSELLER
NOMINEE FOR 2024 SCOTS BOOK OF THE YEAR
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: Canongate Books
ISBN: 9781837260218
Number of pages: 160
Dimensions: 198 x 129 mm
Edition: Main
MEDIA REVIEWS
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
These are tough, muscular poems, not afraid to rhyme or to use language - English or Scots - to make their points with power and precision. Some of them are funny, some of them hurt. The sort of poetry debut that makes you excited for the poet's next collection - NEIL GAIMAN
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“Brilliant poet”
Len is an extraordinary poet, her mastery of both the English language and of the Scots language are simply magnificent. This book may not be out yet, but I can tell you that everything I have read, or seen performed... More
“This will be a great read I'm sure.”
This will be a great read I'm sure.
“Exceptional.”
One of the finest collections of poems I have ever read.
Powerful, intelligent, and very eloquent. A rare and delightful command of precise vocabulary to delight the reader.
Although deeply personal these poems...
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