poyums

by Len Pennie

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781805301387
Publisher:	Canongate Books
Publication date:	04/23/2024
Edition description:	Main
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 5.30(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

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

Instagram & TikTok @misspunnypennie | Twitter @Lenniesaurus

Editorial Reviews

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

The keeper and reinventor of the Scottish language in the 21st century

IAN MCMILLAN

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

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.

JOSIE GILES

I adore Lennie's poetry

NIGELLA LAWSON

I think Lennie is brilliant. She has such talent and passion and joy

MICHAEL SHEEN

A poet who redefines what poetry is and who it is for

LEMN SISSAY

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

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 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

"Beautiful poetry and her language is just spectacular"

JANEY GODLEY

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. - JOSIE GILES

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

From the Publisher