Description
“The Vanishing Half” is a novel written by Brit Bennett and was published in 2020. The novel explores themes of identity, race, and family through the lives of twin sisters, Desiree and Stella Vignes.
Desiree and Stella are identical twins who grow up in a small, predominantly African American town called Mallard in Louisiana. Mallard is unique in that its residents place a strong emphasis on light skin and have developed a caste system based on skin color. The sisters run away from Mallard as teenagers and choose different paths in life. Desiree marries a dark-skinned Black man and has a dark-skinned daughter, while Stella decides to pass as white, marries a white man, and raises a white daughter who knows nothing about her African American heritage.
The novel follows the parallel lives of Desiree and Stella, as well as the lives of their daughters, as they grapple with their individual identities and the choices they’ve made. “The Vanishing Half” explores the complexities of race, identity, and the impact of one’s heritage and choices on their lives. It delves into the concept of passing and the consequences of denying one’s true identity.
Brit Bennett’s novel has received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking exploration of these themes and its beautifully crafted characters and storytelling. It’s a poignant and powerful work that delves into the lasting effects of the past on the present and the enduring bond between the two sisters.
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