A review by beesreadingshelf
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

“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.”

It’s been a while since I was speechless with how beautifully written a book was written but I am so glad it was The Vanishing Half that took that place for me since it’s been on my TBR for one of the longest times.

Exploring the topics of race, identity and belonging, it’s hard to not immediately become absorbed by what you’re reading on each page. It touches on the ultimate privilege that white people had and still do have in society.

It touches on these subjects with a blunt honesty that I appreciated and I feel like we need to see more of that.

I loved that towards the end of the story it began to focus on the journey of the two daughters. One of which was able to grow up with many opportunities due to her passing as white compared to the other daughter who didn’t get to do that and had limited opportunities. I found it incredibly interesting that it was the daughter who grew up with less that had more.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and I think it’s going to be one that I will be thinking of for a very long time.