The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett
Book Review
This is definitely one of the most interesting fiction books I’ve read so far this year.
Beginning in the 1950s, the book spans several decades and locations as the story follows two twins, Desiree and Stella, who run away from home at a young age and go on to live extremely different lives. Originally from a black community in rural Louisiana, Desiree and her black daughter end up back in her hometown after escaping her abusive husband. Alternatively, Stella marries a rich white man, gives birth to their fair-skinned daugher and spends her life denying her heritage as she passes for a white woman.
Not only does the book cover important topics like race, gender identity and class, but it also shows how the decisions of one generation affect the next through the stories of Desiree and Stella’s daughters - whose lives ultimately intersect.
It took me a few chapters to really feel invested in the story, but I ultimately ended up loving it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fiction and to anyone who is trying to diversify their bookshelf with stories by/about BIPOC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 stars
