Hanna is presented as a dichotomy – an angelic, innocent child to her father, and a manipulative, menacing presence to her mother. This disparity highlights the subjective nature of perception, particularly within a family unit. Is Hanna truly malicious, or is Suzette projecting her own anxieties and fears onto her child? This ambiguity fuels the suspense and keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

The novel thrives on the lack of communication within the family. Hanna's silence becomes a weapon, wielded to manipulate and control those around her. Meanwhile, Suzette's attempts to communicate her fears about Hanna are dismissed by her husband, creating a dangerous chasm of distrust between them. This breakdown of communication heightens the tension and emphasizes the characters' isolation.

Alex's unwavering adoration of Hanna, despite her increasingly disturbing behavior, raises questions about the limits of love and its potential to blind us to the truth. His refusal to acknowledge Hanna's darker side enables her actions and ultimately threatens the safety of the entire family. This theme explores the dark side of unconditional love and its potential to be as destructive as it is powerful.