Book Review - The Vanishing Half - Brit Bennett
In ‘The vanishing half’ by Britt Bennett, twin sisters Stella and Desiree Vignes run away from the town of Mallard, with its population of light skinned black people, to New Orleans, their paths take very different courses. Whilst Desiree’s choices see her ultimately stuck in a dead end, Stella walks out on her to make a different choice - she is going to live her life as a white woman. Their fortunes are contrasting and we also see how it affects the next generation.
Race, Gender and Class
What is most interesting in ‘The vanishing half’ is the compare and contrast of Race, Gender and Class. There are a lot of different layers, allowing Brit Bennett to explore the complex society in which the characters live. It’s an extremely thought provoking and timely book, and of course the past plays a huge part here, and there’s an act of racial violence that takes place early on the shapes the twins childhood. It ask big questions - what can cause a person to renege on their identity and their family background - can you uproot yourself completely like that?
I got hooked pretty early, wanting to know more about the strange town of Mallard with it’s own system of racial purity, and the lives of the two girls. It's really well written and the story zips along - I wasn't sure about the back and forth between the characters to begin with, but it works in covering the passing of time. Although all the characters are deftly drawn, it was the compelling character of Stella who interested me most.
In 2021, it was reported that ‘The vanishing half’ was being developed into a TV series by HBO. At the time of writing, there’s no sign yet of it on the schedules, but it’d definitely one to keep an eye out for. Jeremy O. Harris and Aziza Barnes are the two playwrights adapting the book for the screen. I suppose when you remember that we’ve had covid and writers/actors strikes, it’s not surprising we haven’t seen it yet. Hopefully soon.
The Vanishing Half Summary
In the end, ‘The vanishing half’ is about family, community and being part of something bigger than yourself that are emphasised and become the most important things in life. This is necessary and poignant story, beautifully told.
Book review - The Vanishing half - Brit Bennett
Hardcover, 343 pages
Published June 2nd 2020 by Riverhead Books