The Vanishing Half is an entertaining novel about light skinned twin sisters Desiree and Stella who “passes” as white. The side story about how different shades of black are treated within the black and white community fascinates too. The love story between Desiree daughter Jude and a transsexual man is beautifully developed. Unfortunately, these stories do not coalesce to a satisfying conclusion. The reader does keep engaged but the last 1/3 of the book has plot holes and lacks believability. Of course with racial inequality and systemic racism on everyone’s mind, this novel has enough of different perspective to make it worthwhile.
Author Brit Bennett talks about her book, ‘The Vanishing Half’ – YouTube
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