A review by caitlinjfinlay
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I feel like this book tried to cover too many important topics without entering into any one of them with any great detail. I found the details surrounding Reese’s identity and Barry’s sexuality a bit fuzzy,  and was left wanting more of an exploration into Stella’s psyche. I feel Desiree’s character was a bit neglected by the author; I would’ve liked to have known how her separation from Stella impacted her. We don’t find out what Kennedy’s discovery about her racial identity means to her, or whether it means anything at all. I found this book dragged and I was waiting for a big reveal or plot twist that never arrived. That said it does cover some important themes - racism, colourism, domestic violence, transgenderism - and poignantly so, hence 3 stars for that. I was just left wanting a bit more. 
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