Vanishing Half, The
Bennett, BrittMallard, Louisiana, is an enigma - the townsfolk are people of colour but are pale enough to pass as white. It is not until identical twins Desiree and Stella Vignes move away as sixteen-year-olds, that their disparate futures emerge. Stella is upwardly mobile and is white-passing, while Desiree embraces her black heritage. However, it is only when their respective daughters meet, one black, one white, that the twins are reunited.
Engaging and easy to read, this is a fascinating story covering the 1950s-1990s, that examines race and identity through a unique lens.
This title is also offered as part of the Narrative Muse Book Club.
Pages
343
343
Year
2020
2020
Reviews
11-03-2024
Difficult to get into but then flows more easily. So many aspects of loss and grief are addressed and blended into the story of the parallel lives. A few questioned the accuracy of issues at the time.
10-01-2024
We loved this book with its story of identity, plot twists and the ending. Many of us read it in a weekend!
23-11-2023
We mostly enjoyed this book. Two people thought it had too many themes.
16-10-2023
Wow - excellent book. Extremely well-written.
07-06-2023
Those who read it enjoyed the book. Well-written, some parts far-fetched but an interesting aspect of American life we were unaware of - 'passing' as white.
23-03-2023
Comments were positive about the language and writing style. Very stimulating discussion around whether racism has declined since the 1960s.
02-03-2023
A good read. Stimulated responses as to what we would do in the various situations that occurred.
21-11-2022
Our group had mixed views about this book, but mostly we found it interesting and well-written.
17-11-2022
Very interesting book which generated lots of discussion. Generally felt the ending could have been better. It left us wondering.
15-11-2022
All enjoyed the book - great characterisation and thought-provoking.
27-09-2022
One of our ladies loved it and gave it 5 out of 5. The rest of us liked it but felt that it lacked something and was a bit flat in places and wasn't a gripping story. One lady said it had body but not guts which summed it up for most of us - an easy read but forgettable. Still a good discussion though - as always!
15-08-2022
The book lead to really good discussions, including about all the different ways that people lie and the consequences and reasons for lying. Those sound like dark topics, but it was an engaging read with a realistic (rather than Hollywood) ending.
08-08-2022
Everyone enjoyed this book. Great discussion.
02-07-2022
Group was conflicted over this book. Everyone enjoyed the story/plot. Nobody liked the ending. We all felt there was not enough development of some characters and relationships and no closure. Great discussion on realities of racism and if re-inventing yourself to have a better life justifies the inevitable lying. The twin in our group felt it unlikely a twin would be able to break that bond but we did agree circumstances do make people behave in unlikely ways. Certainly a book that provoked great discussion.
15-06-2022
This book was enjoyed by all members, and we had a lively discussion encompassing race, gender and identity. The consensus view was of a well-written book , and this author will be sought for more reading opportunities.
08-05-2022
Really interesting story about diversity. Set in America. Easy to read, most of us enjoyed it.
05-05-2022
Enjoyed by the majority of the group. Good depiction of racial attitudes in small town America.
30-03-2022
Good discussion related to personal family experiences of 'lighter' siblings experiencing a different childhood in NZ schools.
30-03-2022
We all enjoyed this book. Beautifully written. Interesting characters and thoughtful themes. Lent itself to a good discussion.
28-01-2022
Provoked a lively discussion. Interesting ideas about gender and racial identity. Interesting parallels - many aspects of different races and countries.
21-07-2021
I loved this book! Everyone read it which is unusual. Fascinating discussion about colourism and white privilege. Highly recommend.