Questions About The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox

by Maggie O'Farrell (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (15)

This book had several grey areas which I was a little confused about. Was Esme literally disappearing or just wishing to disappear? I thought it was just metaphorically, but in the story she practices her meditating that helps her "disappear." Also she shows up in photos as a blur. Also what was with that spectre in the garden or whatever? I was so confused who/what he was

Deborah Allin Dissociation is a huge part of being traumatised. If you have carried a secret or had to hide a truth for fear of the impact, it was as if you had to …moreDissociation is a huge part of being traumatised. If you have carried a secret or had to hide a truth for fear of the impact, it was as if you had to disappear or disconnect so on some level she disappears because it is the only way she can survive in a world which does not allow her to exist. Also a thought. Could the spectre in the garden be the lost child or someone else associated to her, or the ghost of her painful experience.. just some thoughts. (less)

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Any thoughts as to why O'Farrell included the - almost but not really - incest story between Alex and Iris? Was the Author saying - all families have secrets don't judge (or incarcerate)? Or (when Kitty caught them at it) Iris IS the bloodline of Esme because just look at how she conducts herself? Any ideas greatly received.

Polly McLean I thought that it was more to highlight the difference time has made to the way women's behaviour is judged. Iris's nonconformity to social norms isn'…moreI thought that it was more to highlight the difference time has made to the way women's behaviour is judged. Iris's nonconformity to social norms isn't considered especially odd and doesn't have any negative impact on her her life or well-being, while Esme's lesser nonconformity causes her to be deprived of her freedom for 61 years. (less)

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I assumed when reading Esme's story that she had autism; her self-contained behaviour and social awkwardness would fit, but I haven't noticed any mention of that in the reviews. Autism would not have been understood in that era. Did anyone else think that or am I reading too much into it?

Susanne Actually, I just assumed she was a dreamy child who was easily lost in her own world and had her own views of the world. I don't think she is autistic…moreActually, I just assumed she was a dreamy child who was easily lost in her own world and had her own views of the world. I don't think she is autistic, though. She just (correctly) sees her fellow classmates as superficial and doesn't understand the sense of the overly strict rules at home. She has plans of her own, she wants to study and travel the world. None of that rings autistic to me, just unconventional (at the time).(less)

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Please explain what my brain is not telling me I don't understand the ending at all and have I missed an important piece my dyslexic brain did not understand?