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Dramatic,
Interesting,
Insightful

12 reviews

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox
by Maggie O'Farrell

Published: 2008-06-02
Kindle Edition : 245 pages
16 members reading this now
66 clubs reading this now
19 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 12 of 12 members
In the middle of tending to the everyday business at her vintage-clothing shop and sidestepping her married boyfriendâ??s attempts at commitment, Iris Lockhart receives a stunning phone call: Her great-aunt Esme, whom she never knew existed, is being released from Cauldstone ...
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Introduction

In the middle of tending to the everyday business at her vintage-clothing shop and sidestepping her married boyfriendâ??s attempts at commitment, Iris Lockhart receives a stunning phone call: Her great-aunt Esme, whom she never knew existed, is being released from Cauldstone Hospitalâ??where she has been locked away for more than sixty-one years.

Irisâ??s grandmother Kitty always claimed to be an only child. But Esmeâ??s papers prove she is Kittyâ??s sister, and Iris can see the shadow of her dead father in Esmeâ??s face. 

Esme has been labeled harmlessâ??sane enough to coexist with the rest of the world. But she's still basically a stranger, a family member never mentioned by the family, and one who is sure to bring life-altering secrets with her when she leaves the ward. If Iris takes her in, what dangerous truths might she inherit?

A gothic, intricate tale of family secrets, lost lives, and the freedom brought by truth, The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox will haunt you long past its final page.

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

I'm not sure I understand what happened to Hugo? Did anyone else understand?
by hooks1023 (see profile) 03/10/12

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Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
by jean b. (see profile) 01/28/24

Loved it

 
by Heather L. (see profile) 07/03/22

 
by Meredith M. (see profile) 07/18/21

 
by Lisa H. (see profile) 11/23/20

 
by Karen R. (see profile) 09/28/18

 
by Sue F. (see profile) 11/10/17

 
  "The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox"by Carole T. (see profile) 04/14/17

This book is a realistic insight into a past common occurence of institutionalization of people who displayed "different" behaviors. It is helpful to know before reading this book that it flashes back... (read more)

 
  "The vanishing act of Esme Lennox "by sue s. (see profile) 05/11/15

Unlike any other book I've read. Quite short, read in one sitting. Held my interest. Thought provoking. Unusual writing style. I liked it.

 
by Janice D. (see profile) 05/08/15

 
  "May require a second read to truly appreciate it"by Deidre G. (see profile) 08/10/14

I enjoyed this book immensely. There was a good deal of drama and suspense, which is my favorite combination in a story. I would have given it a 5-star rating but my reading group and I agree that it's... (read more)

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