Books like The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell
Set in 1930s Edinburgh, The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox follows the Lennox family as they struggle to contain their youngest sister’s outspoken and unconventional demeanor, which clashes with the era’s polite society. Esme’s rebellion ultimately leads to her removal to a psychiatric institution. Years later, Iris Lockhart receives a letter revealing that Esme, her great‑aunt, is about to be released. Iris has never heard of Esme, raising questions about what drove her to a lifetime in an institution and how a family could erase such a pivotal member from its history. The novel weaves themes of family secrets, mental illness, and the complexities of sibling relationships against the backdrop of Scottish society.
First publish date: 2006
Genre: Psychological Fiction/Psychological Drama
Authors: Maggie O'Farrell
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