Poyums

By: Len Pennie

Published by Canongate Books, 2024

<p><b>WINNER OF THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS DISCOVER BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025</b><br> <b>THE INSTANT <i>SUNDAY TIMES,</i></b> <b><i>THE TIMES</i>, <i>SUNDAY POST</i> AND <i>iPAPER</i> BESTSELLER</b><br> <b>WATERSTONES SCOTTISH BOOK OF THE MONTH</b><br> <b>WINNER OF 2024 SCOTS BOOK OF THE YEAR</b><br> <b>SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKS ARE MY BAG READER AWARD 2024</b><br> <br> <i>And I have done more than just simply get by</i><br> <i>So much more than escape or survive</i><br> <i>Through the galvanisation of love, time and patience</i><br> <i>I'll take hold of my story and thrive.</i><br> <i>After life that was seldom what life ought to be</i><br> <i>Through laughter and love I'll be whole</i><br> <i>This story is mine from the cover to spine</i><br> <i>And the narrative I will control</i><br> <br> <br> 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.<br> <br> The poems in this collection, both funny and fiercely feminist, announce a formidable new talent. Moving deftly between English and Scots, <i>poyums</i> is as approachable as it is affecting.</p>