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spaghetticaro's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
gabby_l's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
mollywallen's review against another edition
4.0
Not exactly what I expected. The time jumps were a clever way to move the story along without having to sit in the mundane day to day too often. I loved the inclusion of a trans character in that point in time. It showed that the trials facing the trans community are largely the same. The fear of being found out, finding trusted doctors, securing safe hormones for crazy money, and not being comfortable in the body they were given. With that, there was also the layer of discrimination based on skin tone, even within the Black community. I liked this book because I got to see the world through different perspectives than my own. It’s a story about family - chosen and blood. It’s about the bonds we share over years and decades that may shift while also seemingly staying exactly the same.
denicoversit's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
Absolutely great book. Great story and written very well.
jenfantoni's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book and the intertwining story lines. It didn’t end how I would have preferred but it was still a satisfying read.
faithhoffmanxo's review against another edition
4.0
Compelling. Lost one star because of coincidences. Really liked the characters though.
irxren's review against another edition
3.0
The Vanishing Half tells the story of twin sisters, Stella and Desiree, who grow up in a small, almost invisible town. As they reach adulthood, their lives take very different paths. Stella chooses to pass as a white woman, while Desiree marries a dark-skinned man. The book spans about thirty years and explores the lives of the sisters and their daughters.
The premise of the story is incredibly interesting. It explores themes of identity, race, and family in a unique way. Bennett’s writing is truly beautiful. The way she describes emotions and settings pulls you in and makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters. However, for me, a good story also needs characters I can root for. Unfortunately, I found it hard to connect with any of the characters. They each have their struggles and flaws, but I didn’t really like any of them. This made it difficult for me to feel invested in their stories.
The premise of the story is incredibly interesting. It explores themes of identity, race, and family in a unique way. Bennett’s writing is truly beautiful. The way she describes emotions and settings pulls you in and makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters. However, for me, a good story also needs characters I can root for. Unfortunately, I found it hard to connect with any of the characters. They each have their struggles and flaws, but I didn’t really like any of them. This made it difficult for me to feel invested in their stories.