Maggie O'Farrell does a great job of switching the point of view between the 3 main characters. Kitty, the grandmother has Alzheimers. Esme, the great-aunt is being released from a mental hospital where she has spent over sixty years of her life, and Iris the 30ish granddaughter and great - niece. As the story unfolds, these three lives are forever entertwined. This novel unfolds a family secret that has been kept well-hidden until Esme is being released from the mental institute into the custody of her great-niece, Iris (who didn't even know she existed). I was disappointed in the ending, and I am still trying to figure out what happened.

The discussion for this book began as coats came off and continued until coats went back on to leave. We ranked it one of our favorites for discussion in our 10 years together as a club. Three members had even reread the book before the meeting and found new thoughts towards the story line. Needless to say Our Book Club most definitely recommends your reading "The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennon".

...a grim reminder of how easy it was to simply remove women who didn't fit the expectations of the time...do not think, do not attempt to be creative or use your imagination...

I had to read the ending 2X! Great story and characters..makes for great conversation!

As some of the others commented - the book left me wanting more - I think I know what happened at the end but not sure and can't wait to hear what my fellow book readers have to say about this book - it really was one of those books that I couldn't wait to get back to and finish!

I LOVED this book. The ending was really good, which is what I always look for in a book....how do they bring it all together. Loved the setting, the characters, and the story that unraveled, piece by piece.

I found this book difficult to follow at times. It took a bit of getting used to when the voice switched from one character to the other. The "confusion" added to the feeling of what it might be like to be in Kitty or Esme's head. At times, leaving the reader almost dizzy! The story line between Iris and Alex was at best, odd. The story had great possibilities, but the ending was very much a let down for me. I think I wanted more closure. The ending seemed to come from nowhere and pounce on the reader.

Brought out a lot of different point of views from our members! Good starter book!

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 a bit difficult to follow the story. The ending reveals the author's intention. She tells the story using 3 different characters, which isn't clear for most of the book. I chose to read it a second time and enjoyed it much more because I already knew the outcome.

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

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 and forth in time.

Loved it