A review by adogmomsbookishlife
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

adventurous emotional inspiring reflective sad tense 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

5.0

The went into this book blind. I had zero knowledge I would end up reading a stunning sophomore novel full of themes about identity, colorism, and class. This book blew my mind! 

I listened to the audio and read the physical copy interchangeably. The audio narration is beautifully done, and I highly recommend it. However, the physical copy allowed me to fully embrace and feel the connection of the characters. 

I am writing this review moments after finishing the book, and I’m struggling with my thoughts, but I know I need to get this out while it’s fresh. Sooooo much happened throughout this novel! 

This book tells the story of twin sisters and their lives, growing up from kids to young adults, their separate lives as adults and the families they built, their daughters lives and how they come together, and ultimately how everything intertwines. The book is less than 350 pages, but it feels like 1,000! Not in a bad way as if the pages drug on, but in a good way because there is so much goodness packed into such a short amount of time. I could have read on and on about these people and their lives. I was fascinated by them all!