The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot

At first glance, 17-year-old Lenni and 83-year-old Margot seem like unlikely companions. What factors draw them together? How does their friendship change them both? How does their relationship develop the novel’s themes of The Power of Friendship and The Importance of Sharing Stories?

Although Humphrey and Meena appear only in flashbacks, these supporting characters make significant contributions to the story. How do Margot’s two soulmates serve as narrative foils for one another, and how do they each advance her character development?

One of the novel’s major themes is Finding Acceptance and Forgiveness. In what ways do Lenni and Margot desire to be accepted and forgiven? In what ways do they offer forgiveness and acceptance to others? How does this theme impact the story’s overall meaning?

In addition to Margot, Lenni befriends several other individuals at the hospital, including Father Arthur and New Nurse. How do these relationships connect to the theme of The Power of Friendship, and what do Lenni and her friends learn from one another?

Cronin associates different colors with her characters, such as yellow with Davey, purple with Margot, and pink with Lenni. Selecting one of these colors, trace its appearances throughout the story and explore how the author’s use of color imagery influences mood and character development.

Stars appear frequently throughout the novel. What do they symbolize? How does this symbol contribute to the character development and plot?

One of the novel’s most important settings is the art therapy room at Princess Royal Hospital. How does the Rose Room connect to the theme of The Importance of Sharing Stories? What do Margot and Lenni gain from the Rose Room, and what do they contribute to it in return?

The number 100 holds deep symbolic meaning for Lenni. How does the number’s symbolism connect to the concept of mortality? How do Lenni’s relationship with the number 100 and her own approaching death evolve over the course of the novel?