Book Review: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Mallard is a predominantly black village in the South, surrounded by a slew of bigoted settlements. It's where Stella and Desiree Vignes were born, twins with skin so pale that they might pass for white. In a state of restlessness, they run away from home at an early age to begin life anew; but their contrasting decisions govern and transform them.
Years later, Stella, estranged from her sister, is a white woman with a husband to whom her past is unknown; and Desiree is back in Mallard with her black daughter.
Rating: 4.5/5
A portrayal of the lives of the characters from the 1950s through the 1990s, The Vanishing Half is a fascinating novel that explores the intricacies of race and family and the influence that a person’s past can hold over them. The multilayered aspect of the book was elevated by Bennet’s uncomplicated and compelling writing style. Vivid, complex protagonists and lovable side characters provided emotional engagement. The book was profound without being overbearing, and it ended with a reassuring sense of fulfilment.
The Vanishing Half is a must-read for anyone smitten with character-driven plots.
“A town always looked different once you'd returned, like a house where all the furniture had shifted three inches. You wouldn't mistake it for a stranger's house but you'd keep banging your shins on the table corners.”
“The only difference between lying and acting was whether your audience was in on it, but it was all a performance just the same.”
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