From realistic mysteries to whimsical fantasies, fiction focuses on the power of love. Love saves people, turns beasts back into humans, and turns villains into heroes. Vanishing Acts is a work full of love, from the familial love between Andrew, Delia, Eric, and Sophie to the love triangle between Delia, Eric, and Fitz. While this love is powerful, in the end, it saves no one. Frequently, it adds to the character’s grief. Love in Vanishing Act is a crucial part of the characters’ interactions, but love alone is not enough to sustain any of the relationships in the story.

Love starts breaking down early in the story. While there is no doubt that Delia loves Sophie, she still forgets about the parent-child tea at Sophie’s school. Delia has an impressive support network, many of whom could have taken Delia’s place if only Delia had remembered to call any of them. Sophie feels neglected and miserable because of this oversight. While this may seem minor in the story’s context, it begins a pattern of love being unable to overcome self-interests. Shortly after, Eric returns home, and all the love Delia has for him cannot overcome the trust he broke through years of alcohol abuse.