The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot

Cronin illustrates the power of friendship by taking two lonely characters and turning them into the closest of companions. When Lenni first appears, she has no friends or family members visiting her in the hospital because she wasn’t close to her peers at school and her parents have already excused themselves from her life. As time passes, Lenni makes friends at the hospital. In a way, Father Arthur is a kindred spirit to the teen because he shares her isolation. Attendance at the chapel is sparse, and he joyfully welcomes the vivacious girl’s company. In Chapter 32, Father Arthur confides to Lenni, “I think there’s only one person in the whole hospital who would be disappointed if they didn’t get to see me, and it’s you, Lenni” (138). Thanks to Lenni, the pews are packed for his final service before his retirement. During their talks throughout the novel, Father Arthur helps Lenni, comforting her up to the moment of her death. He’s there for her at the end when she needs reassurance that she’ll get into heaven. Another friend that Lenni makes during the final year of her life is New Nurse. The unnamed woman starts out nervous and insecure about her job performance and gradually becomes close to Lenni in a way that the other nurses aren’t. Lenni and New Nurse share casual moments together, such as enjoying candy and chatting about their lives and dreams. New Nurse’s presence at major moments like the 100th birthday party and Lenni’s passing shows that she doesn’t care about the teen merely because it’s her job but rather because she cherishes their friendship. In addition, Lenni befriends The Temp, who starts the hospital’s art therapy program. Lenni notes that “The Temp would always know she had a friend” at Princess Royal Hospital because of Lenni’s undying gratitude for the art room (33).

In part, Lenni appreciates The Temp’s gift because the Rose Room is where Lenni’s friendship with Margot, her dearest companion, blooms. Like Lenni, Margot was lonely for much of her life. Her only childhood friend moved to Australia when Margot was a young woman. When Margot was 48, she invited only one guest to her second wedding: the woman who broke her heart. Margot credits Lenni with changing her life “immeasurably, for the better” (319). During their first meeting, Lenni helps Margot retrieve the letter containing Meena’s marriage proposal. Additionally, Lenni gives Margot someone who listens to her and values her and her experiences. In return, Margot fills Lenni’s final months with joy and purpose. Their joint art project will last long after Lenni’s gone, granting her the sense of permanence she craves. Lenni and Margot’s 100 paintings are a lasting testament not only to the importance of their stories but also to the strength of their friendship.