poyums

Len Pennie

poyums by Len Pennie (Hardback ISBN 9781805301387) book cover

Available as Hardback, eBook, Downloadable audio

From Len Pennie, the performance poet sensation, comes an electric debut collection about loving, learning, surviving, growing and giving – an instant no.2 Sunday Times bestseller

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES, THE TIMES, SUNDAY POST AND iPAPER BESTSELLER

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.

“A poet who redefines what poetry is and who it is for”
Lemn Sissay

See more reviews

“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

Len Pennie

Len Pennie

Len Pennie is a poet who writes predominantly in the Scots language. She writes passionately about the promotion of minoritised languages, survivors of domestic abuse and the destigmatisation of mental illness.

Instagram & TikTok @misspunnypennie | Twitter @Lenniesaurus