Review: The Vanishing Half

 


Before I get into my review I should say that this book probably deserves like. English course level analysis, which I’m sure has been done. If you’re interested in a deeper analysis of it, please, please go check some of those out, because I was not reading with that mindset and I have no doubt that there are all sorts of wonderful literary devices used to convey the book’s themes that deserve to be appreciated. In fact, if I get the chance I would definitely like to reread it someday to better appreciate that aspect. This review, however, is going to be more surface-level.

The writing was absolutely lovely – not overly gimmicky, like a lot of literary fiction. It didn’t feel like Bennett was trying to make it challenging or inaccessible at all, which to my mind is a serious problem with a lot of literary fiction. Instead, it’s compelling writing that sweeps the reader into the characters’ minds, lets us feel their feelings, and weaves an elaborate tapestry that comes together naturally.

The characters themselves are treated with a lot of compassion. Even if you don’t like them or agree with their choices, you can understand where they’re coming from – and also how their actions affect the people around them for much longer than anyone realizes. This is especially clear in Stella’s case, the twin who leaves her life and family to pass as a white woman for years. Bennett doesn’t shy away from the harm that this choice does to others, but it’s also made very clear that it’s a choice that is just as much a consequence of structural racism as any of the more sympathetic choices characters might make.

Also! Transgender love interest! I was not expecting that at all coming into this book and it was an absolute delight, especially because the trans character is actually very well written and fits seamlessly into the rest of the story.

Definitely a worthwhile read, if perhaps demanding of a bit more effort and attention than a lot of the books I write about.



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