Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult

       

   

         The novel, Vanishing Acts, by Jodi Picoult is a mystery book filled with family secrets and unknown past. Delia Hopkins is a 32-year old woman, living in New Hampshire with her fiancé, Eric, and their daughter, Sophie. One day, a policeman shows up at her door, telling her that her father, Andrew, is arrested for kidnapping a girl named “Bethany Matthews” 28 years ago.  Andrew confesses himself that it is true and that Bethany is Delia herself. This shocking news devastates her, turning her world upside down, and she searches for the truth, trying to find out who she really is.

            Although I do not want to reveal the reason behind the kidnapping, Andrew had a good reason to do it, and I do not think he took a criminal action at all. He knew that the consequence would be going to jail, but he still decides to kidnap Delia to protect her. He took this action out of love, and even though it is against the law to do this, he still takes the risk, knowing what would happen to him. His action shows that he is caring and loving, and I believe he did the right thing. However, Andrew should have told the truth himself earlier because it is the worst to find out a secret from someone else, especially the cops. He had kept the secret for all these years without Delia suspecting anything, and if the police had not shown up, she probably would have never known. Thus, even though Andrew may have kidnapped Delia for the right reason, he should have told her the truth himself earlier as she is a mature adult now. 

            Overall, I really enjoyed reading this novel, mostly because it had mystery in it. It is one of my favorite genres, and thus, I did not feel the need to force myself to finish the book. Its plot was very interesting, original and unique, and I am glad I picked up this book. Since this was the first book I read by Jodi Picoult, after reading it, it made me want to read her other books as well. I think the reason why I really like this novel is because it is very similar to Nicholas Sparks’ books, which are my favorite books of all times, where suspense plays a big role in the plot. I recommend Vanishing Acts to those who like mystery and enjoy suspenseful books.