***My Review***

The Vanishing Half, written by Brit Bennett, is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the complex issues of race, identity, and family. The story is set in a fictional town called Mallard, Louisiana, which was founded by a group of light-skinned Black people who wanted to create a place where they could live free from discrimination and oppression.

As I mentioned, the novel begins in Mallard, Louisiana, a small town founded by light-skinned Black people who wanted to create a place where they could live free from discrimination and oppression. The story follows the lives of twin sisters, Desiree and Stella Vignes, who are born and raised in Mallard. However, the sisters’ lives take very different paths when they leave Mallard at the age of sixteen. Stella runs away to pass as white, while Desiree stays in Mallard, marries a dark-skinned man, and has a daughter, Jude.

The novel is divided into several parts, each focusing on a different character and their experiences. The first part of the novel is told from Desiree’s perspective, as she returns to Mallard years later with her daughter Jude, who is now a teenager. Desiree’s return to Mallard forces her to confront the traumas of her past and the choices she made that led her down a different path than her sister.

The second part of the novel focuses on Stella, who has created a new life for herself as a white woman, married a wealthy white man, and has a daughter of her own. Stella’s decision to pass as white comes at a great cost, as she must live in constant fear of being discovered and losing everything she has worked so hard to achieve. The novel explores the psychological toll of living a lie and the ways in which one’s sense of self can be shaped by societal expectations.

As the novel progresses, the lives of Desiree, Stella, and their daughters become intertwined in unexpected ways. The novel explores the impact of intergenerational trauma and how it can shape one’s sense of identity. It also raises important questions about the nature of race and identity, challenging readers to think deeply about the ways in which our identities are constructed and the choices we make in life.

The Vanishing Half is a beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of identity and the choices we make in life. Brit Bennett does an excellent job of weaving together multiple storylines and characters, all while addressing themes of race, gender, and family. The novel is filled with rich descriptions of the setting and characters, making it easy for readers to visualize and connect with the story.

The characters in The Vanishing Half are complex and fully realized, with their experiences and motivations driving the narrative forward. The two central characters, Desiree and Stella Vignes, are twin sisters whose lives take very different paths. Desiree is portrayed as headstrong and independent, while Stella is more reserved and cautious. Their relationship is at the heart of the novel, as it explores the complexities of family ties and the ways in which the choices we make can have a profound impact on our lives.

The novel also explores the lives of the daughters of Desiree and Stella, Jude and Kennedy. Both characters are shaped by the legacies of their mothers and the choices they made. Jude is portrayed as strong-willed and determined, while Kennedy is more sheltered and naive. Their experiences highlight the ways in which intergenerational trauma can be both a burden and a source of strength.

Other characters in the novel include Reese, a transgender man who becomes Jude’s love interest, and Early, a dark-skinned Black man who falls in love with Stella. These characters add depth and complexity to the story, highlighting the intersections of race, gender, and identity.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Vanishing Half is how it challenges readers to think about the fluidity of race and identity. The novel explores the idea that race is not a fixed or immutable characteristic but rather something that is constructed and imposed upon individuals by society. Through the character of Stella, Bennett shows how someone can pass as white, but at what cost? Stella’s decision to pass as white comes at the expense of her connection to her family and community. She must live in constant fear of being discovered and losing everything she has worked so hard to achieve.

The novel also explores the impact of intergenerational trauma and how it can shape one’s sense of identity. The Vignes sisters’ experiences are shaped by the legacy of slavery and the trauma that their ancestors endured. This legacy is passed down from generation to generation, and it shapes the way they see themselves and the world around them.

While The Vanishing Half has been widely praised for its exploration of race, identity, and family, there are some negative aspects of the novel that have been noted by readers and critics.

One criticism of the novel is that it relies heavily on stereotypes and tropes related to race and identity. The novel reinforces the idea that light skin is desirable and that passing as white is the ultimate goal for Black people, which some readers have found troubling.

Additionally, the novel has been criticized for its portrayal of transgender characters, with some readers noting that the character of Reese is reduced to his identity as a transgender man rather than being fully realized as a complex individual.

Another criticism of the novel is that it can be slow-paced at times, with some readers finding the plot meandering and lacking in tension. While the novel’s exploration of character and theme is central to its appeal, some readers may find that the pacing is too slow for their tastes.

Finally, some readers have noted that the novel’s resolution feels somewhat rushed and unsatisfying. The novel’s multiple storylines and characters are brought together in the final chapters, but some readers have found that the resolution is too neat and tidy, lacking the complexity and nuance of the rest of the novel.

In conclusion, The Vanishing Half is a powerful and timely novel that explores the complexities of race, identity, and family. It is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to think deeply about their own identities and the choices they make in life. Brit Bennett’s writing is exquisite, and the characters are fully realized, making it a deeply moving and immersive reading experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring the complexities of race and identity in America.