Fiction Book Club – February 2026
The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell
On:2nd February 2026, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Attendance options:
Sorry, but we don't currently have any in-person options available. However you can opt to get notified if we release more tickets, and we will contact you if anything changes...
About our Fiction Book Club:
Join us at our newly revived Book Club, led by one of our friendly booksellers! We'll be hosting a monthly discussion in the bookshop on a specially chosen title, complete with a complimentary beverage for all attendees.
Our Fiction Book Club aims to highlight some of the most intriguing and compelling reads on our general fiction shelves, whether we're (re)discovering classics or diving into fresh contemporary novels. With such a broad range of subjects and perspectives, we hope there'll be something for everyone to enjoy... perhaps a new favourite book awaits.
Please note that, while February's Book Club will take place on a Monday, subsequent book clubs will usually take place on the first Tuesday of the month.
About The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox:
Edinburgh in the 1930s. The Lennox family is having trouble with its youngest daughter. Esme is outspoken, unconventional, and repeatedly embarrasses them in polite society.
Something will have to be done. Years later, a young woman named Iris Lockhart receives a letter informing her that she has a great-aunt in a psychiatric unit who is about to be released. Iris has never heard of Esme Lennox and the one person who should know more, her grandmother Kitty, seems unable to answer Iris's questions.
What could Esme have done to warrant a lifetime in an institution? And how is it possible for a person to be so completely erased from a family's history?
Please note: Tickets for our events are non-refundable. Professional photography and videography may take place during this event. Thank you for your understanding.
The venue
The Portobello Bookshop
46 Portobello High Street
Edinburgh
EH15 1DA
Telephone: 0131 629 6756
Website: www.theportobellobookshop.com
Wheelchair Access
We have a ramp at the front of the shop which has a ratio of 1:10 and loading capacity of 300kg, and so should be able to be used by most wheelchair users or those with mobility vehicles. The front doors are fully automated. Our shop interior is designed to allow access throughout for wheelchair users and prams, though please note there is only 700mm wide clearance to access the staff toilet.
Sound
We use a PA system to enhance the audio at our live events. We also have a hearing loop system installed, if you’d like to use our loop system during an event please let us know and we’ll make sure we have it set up and connected to the live audio feed during the event. If you wish to attend an event and require BSL interpretation, please give us a few weeks notice and we’ll do our best to arrange an interpreter.