What does it take to recreate yourself and can you ever be fully relaxed and free in that new life? How much of your history can you leave behind? Are there choices that we make that leave no room for retreat? These are only some of the questions that came up for me as I read The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. What struck me was how multifaceted people are. If you’ve read the book and are looking for a recap, you may want to read The Ending of The Vanishing Half.
This is the story of twin sisters, Desiree and Stella, and of their families. Desiree is considered the restless twin and yet Stella is the one who more completely redefines herself.
In The Vanishing Half, Bennet explores race, class, physical attributes and the way they play out in societies and families. The town of Mallard is like a character in the book. It is an idea that existed even though the town didn’t have a place on any map, even when it is renamed. Bennett also addresses issues of identity and belonging. Both women remake themselves when they leave Mallard. Then they are have to choose over and over again who they will be in the world.
Final Verdict on The Invisible Half
I read this book in a weekend, curious to know what would happen to the twins, what choices and sacrifices they would ultimately make. Who would choose to hide and run or show themselves with authenticity..
The story weaves back and forth in time, unfolding more and more of the past and the present entwined. That sometimes made it hard for me to remember the sequence of events but it made for a beautiful process of revealing.
As I read The Vanishing Half, I realized how strongly the choices of the parents affect the next generation. What we consider the enduring question of nature versus nurture, the impact of both shines through the story. Perhaps you can trade one kind of love for another and be happy. However, it may be that happiness is the wrong measure.
I feel like I got to know the characters although their motivations aren’t always clear. Yet, I was invested enough in the story to keep reading, to cheer on various characters and to get upset on their behalf.
I give these book five stars. ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐
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