Reviews

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

spacehooves's review against another edition

emotional mysterious 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

Wow, wow, wow! What a phenomenal story exploring the impact of colorism (in the Deep South, too) across generations of women in a single family. 

Beautiful parallels, intriguing characters, and amazing settings. Loved getting to know these women, their struggles, their joys. Desiree and Jude were the stars of the show for me. 

lauraknote's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring reflective fast-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

pr1496's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

4.0

bas_wyers's review against another edition

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective 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

robyng85's review against another edition

emotional 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

4.5

lookmairead's review against another edition

4.0

This book was the emotional punch I wasn’t fully expecting.

TBH, I was shaking my head through most of it. It’s depressing, but I’m encouraged that this book is making people talk. Also... it was a weird week to read this with the Megan/Harry/Archie news.

I heard HBO max picked this up. And I’m not sure I’ll be running to watch it again, but if I do- I will bring tissues.

javiertenenbaum's review against another edition

informative reflective 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

ubellereads's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 The Vanishing Half is one of those books that I thought would totally blow me away, but it ended up being just okay. I mean, don't get me wrong—it had some really interesting moments. The whole idea of twin sisters leading such different lives, one passing as white while the other embraces her Black identity, was pretty provocative. The writing was solid, too, and I liked how the writer tackled complex issues like race, identity, and family dynamics.

But, I don't know, something was missing for me. Maybe I couldn't fully connect with the characters or I was expecting a bigger emotional punch. It felt like it dragged a bit in parts, and I found myself skimming through some chapters. It's definitely not a bad book by any means, hence the 3 stars, but it just didn't grab me like I hoped it would. Nevertheless, I appreciate its ambition and the conversations it sparks so I would still recommend it.

nicsto's review against another edition

inspiring mysterious reflective 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

4.25

kylafrank14's review against another edition

5.0

My favourite book of the year. Listen to it on audio! So well done.