The Vanishing Half is a historical fiction novel that begins with Desiree and Stella, twins from a small African American community in Louisiana, that decide to run away to New Orleans at the age of 16. They were searching for a new life in the hopes of a better and brighter future. But once in the city, they drift apart drastically. The book follows their lives across generations, their lives surprisingly intertwining decades later.
I prefer omitting details and avoiding any spoilers. It’s the type of book that the less you know, the better your reading experience will be.
It’s a character-driven novel that discusses family relationships and racial identities, with each twin demonstrating their values and beliefs very differently.
This has been one of my favorite reads of the year. I gave it five stars because it got me hooked from the very start. It was well-written, I liked the way the author approached complex topics and the plot was engaging until the end. This book definitely deserves more attention on bookstgram.
¨The key to staying lost was to never love anything.¨
Britt Bennett, The Vanishing Half
Olivine Books 