Its been a long time since a book affected me like this one did. I can't quite put a finger on how I felt upon finishing it, but I can say it struck a chord- love it or hate it, it resonates like a good book should. ( )

Iris is a modern woman – coping with her job and her life which includes a married boyfriend.

Completely unexpectedly, she receives a call from a mental hospital telling her the hospital is being closed down and, as the only relative, she must figure out what to do with her Great Aunt Esme who has been hospitalized there for sixty years.

Iris has never heard of a great aunt named Esme. She had always been told that her grandmother, Kitty, was an only child. Unfortunately, Grandmother Kitty has Alzheimer’s and can provide no clues to the situation.

The story plays out through a dual timeline as we see Kitty and Esme as girls in India, with Esme increasingly being labelled a problem. We also see Iris coming to terms with her seemingly very normal great aunt as she invites her into her apartment (which was part of the home Esme lived in while a young woman in the States) and tries to determine what should be done.

There’s a thoroughly startling and satisfying twist at the end.

This is one of my favorite books that I’ve read this year, as it skillfully blends the messiness of a modern woman’s life with those of a woman’s lack of rights from the last century. ( )

I was bewitched by O'Farrell's exquisite writing and ability to capture the true essence of each character. I welcomed the challenge of three distinct characters, each telling her own story (sometimes in jerks and starts) the best she can, leaving me to read-between-the-lines as the cliche goes. What women have had to endure on this planet still staggers me--then and now. Esme, I won't forget you. đź’šđź’šđź’š ( )

4½ rounded up

Haunting, heartbreaking, powerful, infuriating, and oh so beautiful. The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox is all these things and more.

The novel revolves around the lives of three related women. Iris is minding her own business, living her somewhat messy life, and trying to avoid her married boyfriend who wants to talk about their future. In the middle of all this she gets a call from Cauldstone Hospital informing her that her great-aunt Esme is being released after 60 years... Except Iris doesn't have a great-aunt. Iris's grandmother Kitty always said she was an only child but the paperwork proves that Esme is, indeed, Kitty's sister. Sadly, Kitty, is in the throes of Alzheimer's disease and getting straight answers from her proves near impossible. Iris takes responsibility for Esme and the ages old mystery begins to unravel.

The story unfolds through the eyes and recollections Iris, Esme, and Kitty. All three are grappling with their pasts and trying to make sense of the present.

I found the stories of all three of these women spellbinding. Each of their voices were distinct and rang true. O'Farrell weaves a complex and intimate portrait of a family with deep, dark secrets. The layers of the past are peeled back one at a time in the most absorbing and delicate way. The storytelling was stunningly beautiful in parts and there was no way for me not to feel a close kinship with Esme, who was a victim of the era and family she was born into. I don't want to give anything away so I will leave it at that.

I absolutely adored this book and I know without a doubt that it will linger. ( )

This is a great book. Esme and her sister, Kitty, were born in India but moved to Scotland pre-teens. This is their story, plus the story of Iris, Kitty's grand-daughter, who never knew Esme existed until she is to be discharged from the institution she has lived in for 61 years.
The writing is so succinct but evocative at the same time. Esme was certainly born at the wrong time for the strong girl she was.
There is a mystery and long kept secrets. Very enjoyable and a quick read. ( )