Reviews tagging 'Rape'

Moja znikająca połowa by Brit Bennett

68 reviews

marissasa's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This multi-generational family book is unique and engaging, and unlike any story I've read before. The concept of identical twins splitting off and living vastly different lives that are complete opposites of each other, and their choices impacting the lives of their daughters in deep ways, is so fascinating on its own and Brit Bennett pulled it off in writing effortlessly and beautifully. Every character felt so fleshed out, flawed, and real, from the main family members to their partners and the side characters supporting them along the way. It was satisfying to read diverse and intersectional issues these characters went through being handled in such a well thought out way, and the author's writing really elevated her story with colorful language and noticeable but skillful use of literary devices. I was engaged throughout and found myself reading faster at times because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I loved the idea she put forward that there comes a point when you have been lying for so long that it becomes true for yourself because it is the reality you've chosen to live and believe. Once this story's television adaptation is ready I will be watching it the day it comes out! 

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sjduncan's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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erd's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Love how the story is organized into chunks diving deeper on specific characters and their pain.

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shelvedbysara's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Review
More than a story about bloodline, The Vanishing Half is also a story about the search for one's identity and the choices that make us who we are. Brit Bennet explores the complexities of gender, identity and race by writing thought provoking remarks about social inequality and injustice, systemic racism, and the legacy of segregation that continues to shape American society today. Bold, powerful, and deeply respectful of diverse walks of life, The Vanishing Half is a profound representation of privilege and the lack thereof, as well as how it impacts the lives of black people on a daily basis.

Summary
Desiree and Stella are identical twin sisters who grew up in a southern black community during the Jim Crow era (1960s). They had never left Mallard, their small town, but both felt a restless urge to escape — and on their 16th birthday, they did. From then on, their lives follow completely different routes based on the set of choices each one makes about who they want to become and what kind of life they want to lead: one decides to return to her black roots in Mallard; the other decides to live a life passing as white in Los Angeles. But no matter how far one goes, one can never fully escape their origins. Decades after the twins parted ways, their daughters’ paths intersect by chance. What will happen when they find out who the other is?

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sarahofstories's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5


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mairi_red's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny informative reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

A very interesting insight into a topic I was very interested to hear more about. This book was advertised to me as an insight into race and identity. And these themes are addressed to a level which broadens your understanding. Yet, the thing that amazed me most about this book is that it tackles what seems like endless other themes with equal respect and intension including gender identity, transphobia, complicated family relationships, white privilege, mental illness, dementia, marriage, sexual abuse and much more. 

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marcy_the_vampireq's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0


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nicoleserrato's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75


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lifewithjoce's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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alexandra_13's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I got back into reading this summer after a few years of not doing so while in school. I read a total of 14 books since then, not much but a lot better than the other years.
I read The Vanishing Half this Christmas and it’s the book that made me fall back in love with reading. Before this one, I was reading and enjoying it but now I’ve remembered what it was to devour books and stay up late at night to finish one.
I loved the message it gave out, and as a white woman I’ve learnt a lot more about racism with it. Also, it touches a great diversity of topics and backgrounds which made the read more real.
(This last paragraph might be a little spoiler) I also really liked the ending, I expected something else but the author stuck to the reality of things in the sense that not everything can be how one hopes, which after all is the beauty of it. 

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