A review by marywahlmeierbracciano
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

challenging mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Brit Bennett’s haunting second novel is carried on the shoulders of a robust cast of characters—namely, Stella and Desiree Vignes, twin sisters born in 1940s Louisiana, Black but pale as can be.  Soon after running away to New Orleans, they separate for the first time in their lives.  Stella begins passing every day as a white woman; Desiree marries a dark-skinned man and has an ever darker daughter.  Decades pass, and children leave home, wondering about where they came from just as much as where they’re going.  But some secrets aren’t meant to be kept.

As if Bennett’s rich storytelling wasn’t enough, I was absolutely hooked by the Black trans joy represented in this book.  A future classic. 
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