Below is a summary of the group's collective observations of this work.
The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox is a family saga that spans several generations. Through the voices and perspectives of several female characters, the narrative reveals how society and family impacted the lives of mothers, daughters, and sisters across a century. The book opens with Esme Lennox about to be released from a psychiatric hospital where she has spent the last 60 years of her life. Her niece decides to shelter Esme for the weekend until she can find her an acceptable place to live. As the weekend unfolds so does Esme's family story, revealing the events and decisions that kept her in confinement for six decades.
As the structure of the book was unusual, with narrators and times shifting without clear warning, the group discussed how the narrative flow contributed and/or detracted from the story. Members also expressed their feelings about each of the characters and their relationships to each other as well as the societal influences that shaped these women's lives.
All the members enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others. The complex nature of the story that takes place in India and Scotland is fertile ground for discussion.
As the structure of the book was unusual, with narrators and times shifting without clear warning, the group discussed how the narrative flow contributed and/or detracted from the story. Members also expressed their feelings about each of the characters and their relationships to each other as well as the societal influences that shaped these women's lives.
All the members enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others. The complex nature of the story that takes place in India and Scotland is fertile ground for discussion.
