Vanishing Acts

Motherhood is an essential theme in Vanishing Acts. In this story, Delia, Elise, Ruthann, and even Emma Wasserstein are mothers. How would you characterize the mothering styles in this book? In what ways are these women successful as mothers? In what ways do they fail? In your opinion, which character is the best example of motherhood? Which is the worst? Why?

While motherhood has an essential role in Vanishing Acts, so does fatherhood. How do the fathers in Vanishing Acts differ from the mothers? What role does Andrew play in Delia’s life? How is it different from Eric’s role in Sophie’s? Despite the lack of a biological connection, could Fitz be considered a father to Sophie? Why or why not?

In your opinion, why did Delia pursue a search-and-rescue career? Was Andrew leading her in that direction, or was it a response to her kidnapping? If both, which source do you believe had more of an impact? Would Delia have chosen this work regardless of past events? Using evidence from the text, argue your case.

Vanishing Acts makes a case that memory is faulty and unreliable. As such, which of Delia’s recovered memories are true, which are embellished or altered, and which are complete fabrications? Use evidence from the text to explain your answer.

What will happen to these characters in five years? For example, will Eric recover from his alcohol addiction? Will Delia and Fitz continue their relationship? Will Delia return to Arizona? What will her relationship with Elise be like? Will Delia get back with Eric? Use evidence from the text to justify your predictions.

What role does Ruthann play in this story? Does her presence affect the plot, or is she a tool for character development? How would the story change without her? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

In your opinion, was justice served? Was Andrew’s time in prison an appropriate punishment, too harsh, or too lenient? Did Andrew deserve his acquittal? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

How do you think Sophie will remember these events? What parts of the story do you think she will remember the most clearly? What aspects of her memory do you think will be embellished or altered?