Reviews with content warning for Body shaming - The Vanishing Half

This book was really different to what I usually read, but I enjoyed it a lot! It's about 2 twins that grew up in a town where everyone was black but so light they could pass for white. After they run away, one twin lives life as a white woman while the other marries a black man. The author weaves family, colorism, and fate together to create a beautiful story that spans multiple generations and perspectives. While the plot is interesting, the phenomenal writing was the best part. Everything was expressed so skillfully that I needed to read some parts out loud to fully experience how beautiful it was. I'd definitely recommend, but bear in mind that it is a little intense and not suitable for younger readers. It doesn't really follow a traditional plot structure so there were definitely some moments that left me wondering what the point was. However, the storyline was so fascinating that I'm willing to excuse that. I loved how each of the 4 main characters contrasted each other so well and how if it weren't for fate, their lives would be entirely different. I loved Jude's character and the hardships she faced in Millard almost made me cry. Kennedy and Stella annoyed me quite a lot, but I could see why they made the decisions they did. Reece was a great boyfriend and I loved the trans rep that was woven into the story!

Content Warnings

thatsssorachael's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense 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

Man reading slumps SUCK.

The writing in this book is stunning, and I can understand why people absolutely loved it for that reason alone. But it didn't fully click with me, and I think it's because I tried to read a character driven novel (not usually my thing) while in a deep depressive reading slump. SO I honestly don't want to say much criticism because I'm 90% sure it's all me.

The writing, characters, and pacing were excellent. I enjoyed this one, it was like catching up with an old friend. The hype is real with this one, and I expected My Next Favourite Book, and instead I got a book I enjoyed and highly recommend...and I'm disappointed by that. So if you haven't been touched by the hype, pick this one up and I think you'll love it.

Highly recommend

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beetsnotbombs's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-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

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acarter's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

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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fayelle's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Kept me engaged and interested from the first page to the last. Such an interesting story that while I still have questions, it doesn't feel incomplete. Just a solid common and also unique story of humanity.

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