Vanishing Acts

While the narrative revolves around various characters, Cordelia “Delia” Hopkins takes center stage as Vanishing Acts’s protagonist. Despite appearances, Delia’s life seems almost idyllic—at 32, she enjoys a fulfilling search-and-rescue career, a loving fiancé, an adorable daughter, and unwavering support from her father and best friend. However, beneath the surface lie complications. Delia grapples with trust issues stemming from Eric’s past alcohol addiction, and as a mother, she faces moments of self-doubt and disappointment.

The plot escalates when Delia’s father, Andrew, is arrested for kidnapping her as a child, revealing a web of lies. Delia learns she is legally Bethany Matthews, her true identity concealed by her father through fabricated details. This revelation forces Delia to reassess her sense of self and confront her father’s betrayal.

From her childhood, where she embraced daring adventures, to her adulthood, exemplified by her profession in search-and-rescue, Delia embodies the idea of following—whether chasing leads, accepting her father’s fabrications, or trusting others. Her memories, often fragmented, contribute to an unreliable narration. The story’s progression sees Delia regain some memories, but others doubt the authenticity of those memories. Although her romantic relationship shifts, Delia’s core struggles remain largely unchanged by the story’s conclusion.