Two light skinned twins grow up in a small black town in Louisiana, yet drift apart as teenagers, then live very different adult lives. Desiree and Stella's daughters eventually meet, and threaten to reveal the lie one of them has been trying to live with.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett is such a fascinating story written in lovely descriptive language. The characters drew me in, and in particular I was interested in understanding troubled Stella.
Narrated by talented Shayna Small, we hear much of the story told with a crisp, clear voice, yet also southern charming gravely for character Early. I especially enjoyed the dialogues between cousins Jude and Kennedy. Shayna Small showed in her narration how different they were, Jude coming across as sweet, simple & pleasant, and snooty Kennedy unabashedly oblivious in her privilege.
This poignant novel posed questions such as, can you ever be rid of your past? and are biases learned and then, unlearned? It deals with complicated family dynamics, race, gender, colorism, and societal expectations.
The Vanishing Half is the type of novel that lingers with me, and that I'll eagerly listen to again. More awesome audio I happily recommend!
My only critique is I wasn't prepared for it to end as it did, I wanted more.
Luckily, it's being made into a series, so we'll get to see these characters come to life.
This poignant novel posed questions such as, can you ever be rid of your past? and are biases learned and then, unlearned? It deals with complicated family dynamics, race, gender, colorism, and societal expectations.
The Vanishing Half is the type of novel that lingers with me, and that I'll eagerly listen to again. More awesome audio I happily recommend!
My only critique is I wasn't prepared for it to end as it did, I wanted more.
Luckily, it's being made into a series, so we'll get to see these characters come to life.
Until next time,
Kara
Kara
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