Reviews with content warning for Child abuse - 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!

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megj23's review

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challenging reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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nocturnalreader's review

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challenging dark emotional informative sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Setting: Mallard | Themes: Self-Identity and Racism | Plot: Medium paced

Author: @Britbennet

Content Warning: Domestic abuse, sexual assault, and racial slurs

The Vanishing Half is an intriguing tale of two twin sisters, Stella and Desiree, who were once indivisible now chose different paths to run away from their community of light skin.

During their break free, Stella cast aside Desiree to live her life as a white woman, and Desiree chooses to embrace her true identity as a Black woman. Desiree returns to her community with her daughter after 14 years.

The author has astutely weaved the timeline shift through three generations exploring the tussles to blend in the white society by hiding the true identity and the choices that keep haunting both the sisters until they met.

Though one may find the plot complex, the author ensures to provide justice to all the characters and their voice reach the readers.

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giulia_and_books's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

What’s there to say about this book that hasn’t already been said? Set across decades and generations, it covers a vast expanse of life experiences within one family. This book explores and unpacks topics such as race, gender, identity, and how one decision can affect the rest of one’s life.

What I liked most was the writing style of Brit Bennett in telling the stories of all the characters. Through this telling, you learn everything about them: their innermost desires, thoughts, motivations, values; everything that makes them real and complex. I love a good multigenerational, character-driven and this book certainly delivers that to its readers.

I highly recommend this book to all who like a deep, emotional read about family and identity.

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samberginimercy's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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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