Book Review: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Book Review: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (2020) (Fiction) (YA) (Adult)

4 Stars****

The story begins in 1968 in the sleepy, insignificant town of Mallard, Louisiana. This town is not even noted on a map, so what makes this town unique? Just about all of the residents are mixed race white or light-skinned blacks. Most could pass for white by appearance, but don’t want to, that is until one attractive woman serves as a successful example that is followed by one of our main characters. We meet the beautifully striking, lustrous black-haired, violet-eyed, identical Vignes twins: Stella and Desiree who, at sixteen years old, decide to run off together to New Orleans in search of opportunities that are nonexistent in their hometown.

As much as these two women look the same, they do not think the same. Stella, the adventurous, confident one, eventually leaves behind her much shyer, less secure sister. Stella realizes an opportunity, grabs on to it, and lives her life far away as a white woman as if she never was Stella Vignes from Mallard, LA. Desiree eventually finds her way back to Mallard, now embracing the destiny she tried so hard to avoid.

The issue of race is constant. The lighter the skin, the more easily accepted. Barriers seem temporary. Opportunities abound. Hard work and diligence always pay off. The sisters marry men who are polar opposites of each other. One marriage thrives with the lies. The other ends badly with the truth, but destiny steps in to turn the tide. Both sisters have ambitious, self-motivated daughters who look nothing alike. Very often, the truth is an obstacle to realization of goals, so it must be avoided at all costs. If you thought the truth of any situation would devastate someone you loved, would you choose to reveal or hide it at all costs?

The ending was abrupt, like a door being slammed in my face. I wanted more. Transitions were often lacking whereby we were suddenly transported. I often found myself confused as to which character was actually speaking. The story is told in alternating chapter updates about each character highlighting how their paths diverge from what is shared to the veiling and denial of their roots.

Significance of the title? Anything the characters don’t want to admit about their families is erased from memory and from everyday life. Lie when necessary to protect the illusion’ so the dots of the truth cannot be connected.

This book is beautifully written with rich vocabulary and clearly defined characters. This book is an excellent example of literature, rather than the prevailing commercial successes of psychological manipulations. Optioned by HBO, we can expect a mini-series soon. I can’t wait!

 

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I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.

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