The Vanishing Half

by Brit Bennett
The Vanishing Half cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Literary Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 4003
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780593416969
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2021-01-12
  • Reviews: 4

The Vignes twins, once inseparable, grow up to lead vastly different lives, one embracing her African American heritage and the other passing as white. This novel delves into the complexities of race, identity, and the choices that shape our lives. /n/nSet in the 1950s and 1960s, 'The Vanishing Half' is a richly layered story that spans generations and explores the American history of passing, revealing the profound impact of racial identity on family and society.

Reviews
Julia's books · 2022-09-14
compelling 4.00

The complex plot is deftly handled by Bennett, spanning a large scope and time period.

The reviewer appreciates the complex plot of the novel, which is skillfully managed by Bennett. They note that the story spans a significant period and covers a broad scope, which adds depth to the narrative. The reviewer finds the exploration of identity and race to be particularly compelling, making the novel a thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Unlike what little I saw of the film Passing, The Vanishing Half has a complex plot which is deftly handled by Brit Bennett.

    It spans a large period of time and covers a broad scope, which adds depth to the narrative.

    The exploration of identity and race is particularly compelling.

Dear Author · 2021-02-01
great 3.50

The reviewer finds the book both enjoyable and uncomfortable due to its fine writing and difficult nature. They appreciate the complex exploration of the characters' lives.

The reviewer notes that the book is both enjoyable and uncomfortable, attributing this to its fine writing and the difficult nature of the story. They appreciate the complex exploration of the characters' lives and the profound themes it tackles. The balance between enjoyment and discomfort makes the book a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    The difficult nature of the story and the fine writing place the book in the space between the enjoyable and the uncomfortable.

    It's a story that lingers in the mind long after the last page.

    The characters are complex and compelling, making the journey through their lives both engaging and thought-provoking.

Feminist Book Club · 2020-12-02
enjoyable 3.50

The story is enjoyed for its portrayal of messy characters and the exploration of crossing racial lines.

The reviewer enjoys the story for its portrayal of messy characters, which they find interesting and relatable. They particularly appreciate the exploration of crossing racial lines, which adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The reviewer finds the novel to be an engaging and thought-provoking read, with a unique perspective on identity and race.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I enjoyed the story.

    I love a good messy character, and this was an interesting portrayal of someone who crossed over races.

    This was an interesting portrayal of someone who crossed over races.

The Guardian · 2020-06-04
engrossing 4.50

Bennett is praised for her storytelling and the novel's richly detailed settings, with the plot being particularly engrossing.

The reviewer highlights Bennett's skill as a storyteller and the novel's richly detailed settings, which make the plot particularly engrossing. They appreciate the novel's generous and humane approach, which adds to its overall appeal. The reviewer finds the exploration of themes and characters to be compelling and well-executed, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    Bennett is a gifted storyteller.

    This generous, humane novel has many merits, not least its engrossing plot and richly detailed settings, from ...

    The novel’s exploration of identity and race is both timely and timeless.

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