Poyums Annaw - by Len Pennie (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The anticipated follow up to poyums, from a singular voice in modern Scots poetry

"A second, blistering collection that confronts patriarchy, gender-based violence and societal injustice with tenderness, a jousting wit and not a little righteous fury"--Caroline Sanderson, The Bookseller

There isn't a timescale for how you should heal

Your bad days are valid, your heartache is real

But so is the day that your smile will return

That fire within you continues to burn

You will overcome this and continue to thrive

You are here, you are loved, you are whole, you're alive.

A formidable follow up to her award-winning debut poetry collection, Len Pennie's poyums annaw is just like her: defiant, angry and trailblazing. These poems are a call to arms, confronting ideas of patriarchy, gender-based violence and societal injustice with equal parts tenderness, quick-wit and righteous fury. poyums annaw firmly cements Len as a defining voice in contemporary Scots poetry.

Review Quotes

Praise for Poyums: "The keeper and reinventor of the Scots language in the 21st century" --Ian McMillan

"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

"A challenging funny naughty angry and exultant celebration of the Scottish language and of womanhood, I doubt it will find a match this year" --Daily Mail

"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

"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

"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

"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" --HArry Josephine Giles

"Hugely inspirational to so many people from all walks of life, but especially for our next generation of young women" --Lorna Callery-Sithole

About the Author

Len Pennie is an award winning poet who writes predominantly in the Scots language. Her first book poyums won 2024 Scots book of the year and The British Book Awards Discover Book of the Year. She writes passionately about the promotion of minoritised languages, survivors of domestic abuse and the destigmatisation of mental illness. She has a massive following on social media of nearly 1.3 million engaged followers and her celebrity fans include Nigella Lawson and Michael Sheen.

Instagram & TikTok @misspunnypennie Twitter @Lenniesaurus