A review by kamrynharned
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This story was beautifully written. It pulled you into the experiences of the characters - the experience of being a twin, the experience of being very black, and the experience of being white. The experience of being in loving relationships and the experience of being in dangerous ones - all of them complicated.  This book touched on its themes without being preachy. There were some beautiful quotes that stuck out to me while listening to the book, which doesn’t happen often.  While the characters were well developed, and jumping timeline and POV was well-done, the book just didn’t make me feel anything. The characters and the storyline didn’t do anything for me, and I don’t think I’m going to remember much about it in a few months. 

“People thought that being one of a kind made you special. No, it just made you lonely. What was special was belonging with someone else.”

“Her death hit in waves. Not a flood, but water lapping steadily at her ankles. You could drown in two inches of water. Maybe grief was the same.”