Overview
When Len Pennie received the Discover Book of the Year prize at the British Book Awards for her debut poetry collection, poyums, it marked a significant milestone: it was the first poetry collection to win in a decade and the first written in both Scots and English. At just 25 years old, Pennie also made history by having her ID checked at the ceremony to confirm her age.
Why It Matters
Pennie may have a youthful appearance and does not drink alcohol, often found tidying up at social events, but her journey has been anything but simple. She began writing poetry during the pandemic, sparked by the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome from her cross-stitching hobby. The catalyst for her intense sewing sessions was her escape from an abusive relationship that began when she was just 17.
Writing became a form of expression for Pennie, allowing her to document her healing journey. She asserts that “poetry isn’t therapy; therapy is therapy,” emphasizing that her work serves as a narrative of survival rather than mere emotional catharsis. Her first poem, “Honey,” illustrates her struggle, capturing the pain of past relationships through evocative language.
Key Takeaways
Pennie’s early experience with writing was not focused on publication; instead, many of her pieces were shared on social media platforms before being formally compiled into her book. This unorthodox approach helped her maintain a sense of control over her life while facing the challenges of young adulthood post-abuse. She reflects on grappling with fundamental life roles and rebuilding relationships that had been strained.
After leaving her abuser during the lockdown, Pennie faced the emotional withdrawal from a toxic relationship, during which her family provided crucial support. She views performing her poetry as central to her identity as a writer, revealing that her writing often emerged from some of her most painful moments.
In her poetry, Pennie also addresses linguistic identity, particularly through her poem “I’m No Havin Children,” which navigates the interplay between Scots and English. This exploration reveals her childhood experiences growing up in a bilingual environment where Scots was an integral part of her identity, despite societal stigma against it.
Throughout her journey, Pennie has met with resistance, especially online, following the viral success of her poem. In addition to positive feedback, she has faced backlash, especially regarding her work’s intersection with topics of domestic violence. Her advocacy continues as she seeks to raise awareness about the stigma associated with such experiences.
With her second collection, poyums annaw, Pennie remains committed to confronting taboo topics head-on, aiming to create spaces where conversations about domestic abuse are openly discussed. She articulately points out that simply advising someone to leave an abusive situation is insufficient without providing tangible support systems.
Pennie believes art plays a crucial role in articulating the complex dynamics of abuse, which often involve shifting behaviors from the perpetrator. More than just documenting her past trauma, she envisions using her platform to introduce poetry to broader audiences, even at educational levels, to reshape perceptions around the genre.
Final Thoughts
As she prepares for a series of appearances, Pennie emphasizes her desire to eradicate the shame associated with personal struggles. “I spent so long being ashamed of who I was that I don’t want anyone else to feel that,” she states. Her journey reflects resilience and the transformative power of poetry in the face of adversity.
poyums annaw is set to be published by Canongate on September 25. To support the Guardian, consider ordering your copy at guardianbookshop.com. For information on Pennie’s upcoming tour, visit https://bit.ly/poyumstour.
*In the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit Women’s Aid. In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In Australia, the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.
This article was amended on September 14, 2025, to reflect terms used by Len Pennie regarding her experience of domestic abuse.
