THE VANISHING ACT OF ESME LENNOX: A NOVEL BY MAGGIE O’FARRELL

From theNew York Timesbest-selling author ofHamnetandThe Marriage Portraitcomes a gothic, intricate tale of family secrets, lost lives, and the freedom brought by truth.

I found this actually unputdownable . . . Reminiscent of classic writers like Rebecca West and Daphne du Maurier.Ali Smith, author ofAutumn

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

Iriss grandmother Kitty always claimed to be an only child. But Esmes papers prove she is Kittys sister, and Iris can see the shadow of her dead father in Esmes face.

Esme has been labeled harmlesssane 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?

Think Kate ChopinsThe Awakening,Charlotte Gilmans The Yellow Wallpaper or Jean RhyssWide Sargasso Sea. . . Its a breathtaking, heart-breaking creation.The Washington Post Book World

PAPERBACK BOOK