The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

“She hadn't realized how long it takes to become somebody else, or how lonely it can be living in a world not meant for you.”

Imitation of Life is one of my favorite movies of all time. It’s a old movie made in 1959 by Douglas Kirk and it always makes me cry. Especially when Mahalia Jackson is singing at the church in the end. Wooooooo I am MOVED each and every time! I implore everyone to watch that movie just once because it touches on so many different topics in the pre Civil Rights movement era. While reading The Vanishing Half, I thought back on Imitation of Life. They both touch on heavy topics such as colorism, passing as a different race, classism, and many more. I will definitely say The Vanishing Half might be my best read of the year. Brit Bennett wrote one heck of a book and every accolade it received was well deserved.

The Vignes twins would always be identical. But after growing up in a small, black southern community and running away at age sixteen, they are separated. One choosing to live her life as black. The other choosing to live her life passing as white. Years later, one sister returns with her child back to the town they ran away from. The other sister is passing for white and her white husband knows nothing of it. Both the sisters decisions will affect the next generation’s lives in ways they never would have imagined.

There is not time for me to express just how much I loved this book. So this book spans over 40 years and takes place in many different places in the US. I loved how we checked in with every character at different parts in their lives. We're able to see their growth, their conflicts, their inner struggles. I loved Desiree and I loved how strong she was. Now for that sister Stella...mmm not so much. I struggled to empathize with Stella and all her lies. But I still enjoyed reading about her if that makes sense. The author gives every character a sense of duality and you see how everyone is prone to mistakes in life. This book also has multiple POVS which normally I cannot stand. It's easy to be confused and wondering who the heck is talking each chapter. But not at all for this novel. Each character has their own voice and their different lives are all interconnected somehow. It makes for such a strong read that even though you might not agree with a character's choices, they have strong reasoning behind it.

This is easily a 5 star read for me. Britt Bennett has written an amazing, unforgettable, moving story of two sisters. It not only spans the sisters but it also follows their daughters. Which helps us to see how one person's decisions can affect others for a lifetime. I have read some pretty phenomenal books this year. Plenty I would recommend and tell others to read for a enjoyable time. But this book is the one book you should read if you read NOTHING else I recommend. I bought this book and I will definitely be reading this again in the future. Read it, read it, read it okay!