diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/viewer/toc.py b/src/calibre/gui2/viewer/toc.py
index 7401558129..90ad46449e 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/viewer/toc.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/viewer/toc.py
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ def __init__(self, toc, depth, all_items, normal_font, emphasis_font, parent=Non
         self.setFlags(Qt.ItemIsEnabled)
         self.is_current_search_result = False
         self.depth = depth
-        self.is_being_viewed = False
+        self.set_being_viewed(False)
 
     def set_being_viewed(self, is_being_viewed):
         self.is_being_viewed = is_being_viewed