Summary
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett explores racial identity, family dynamics, and living with difficult choices through the lives of twin sisters, both light-skinned African Americans, Desiree and Stella Vignes. Desiree lives as a Black woman while Stella leaves their Louisiana hometown to build a life based on her decision to “pass” as white. Set from the 1950s to the 1990s, the novel spans multiple generations and settings, questioning notions of belonging and authenticity.
Plot
The Vanishing Half examines themes of identity, race, and family through the lives of twin sisters Stella and Desiree Vignes. They grow up in the small, insular town of Mallard, Louisiana, and leave for New Orleans at age 16, seeking new opportunities. Their paths diverge when Stella chooses to pass as white, cutting ties with Desiree and starting a new life in California. Stella marries Blake, conceals her heritage, and raises their daughter Kennedy as white.
Desiree, meanwhile, marries a dark-skinned man and returns to Mallard with her daughter, Jude, after escaping an abusive relationship. Jude faces challenges due to her darker skin tone. She later moves to Los Angeles and meets her estranged aunt Stella. This encounter uncovers long-hidden family secrets.
The story reaches a turning point when Jude reveals Stella's background to her cousin Kennedy. Confronted by her daughter, Stella is forced to acknowledge her past and choices. The Vanishing Half spans generations, reflecting the lasting effects of the sisters' decisions on their descendants. Desiree and Stella’s eventual reunion raises complex questions about identity, heritage, and family.
Themes
Racial identity
In The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, racial identity and the concept of "passing" are central themes. The novel follows light-skinned African American twins Stella and Desiree Vignes, whose lives take different courses after Stella decides to “pass” as white. Bennett examines race as a fluid construct shaped by personal choices and societal expectations.
Stella's decision to pass underscores the performative nature of racial identity. Her belief that "all there is to being white is acting like you were" indicates that societal perceptions can significantly influence one's racial identity. This performance can eventually merge with reality, raising questions about whether identity is constructed or inherent.
Desiree’s experiences provide a contrast, emphasizing the arbitrary and external nature of racial categories. Her story suggests that identity may be determined more by societal views than physical traits. Bennett portrays passing not as betrayal but as a complex survival tactic in a racially divided society, exploring identity's flexibility and social consequences.
Societal issues
In The Vanishing Half, societal issues such as colorism, racism, and class discrimination significantly influence the characters and narrative. The town of Mallard, Louisiana, embodies colorism, where light skin is a priority. This environment leads the Vignes twins, Stella and Desiree, to make contrasting life decisions. Stella chooses to live as a white woman and embraces a middle-class lifestyle, while Desiree returns to embracing her heritage. This contrast underscores the exploration of racial dynamics and identity within societal frameworks.
The twins’ differing paths highlight the impact of systemic racism and class. Desiree’s return to Mallard with her dark-skinned daughter reveals deep-rooted biases in her community. Stella's adoption of a white identity to gain social advantages offers insight into pervasive social forces. The novel integrates these societal structures as central to the characters' development and the narrative’s overarching themes.
Quick facts
The Vanishing Half debuted at #1 on The New York Times fiction bestseller list.
The story is set in Mallard, Louisiana, a fictional town founded by light-skinned Blacks striving for racial purity.
Brit Bennett’s inspiration came from her mother’s story about a town of Creole people intermarrying to obtain lighter skin.
The Vanishing Half spans nearly half a century, from the 1950s to the 1990s, addressing racial identity and colorism across generations.
The novel explores the concept, practice, and consequences of “passing” for white.
The Vanishing Half examines the profound impact of historical events, such as civil rights movements and racial segregation, on personal and family identities.
The novel features a transgender character, whose gender transition parallels issues of racial identity.
The Vanishing Half was included in The New York Times Book Review’s 10 Best Books of 2020 and longlisted for the National Book Award.
Bennett’s writing style and realistic storytelling has drawn comparisons to Toni Morrison.
Former President Barack Obama included The Vanishing Half on his list of favorite books of 2020
HBO acquired the rights to adapt The Vanishing Half into a limited series, with Brit Bennett serving as executive producer, in a competitive seven-figure deal.
Key characters
Desiree Vignes: The twin sister of Stella. At age 16, Desiree leaves Mallard, Louisiana, for New Orleans, seeking a new life. After an abusive relationship, she returns to their small hometown with her daughter, Jude, to reconnect with her roots and live her life as a Black woman.
Stella Vignes: The twin sister of Desiree. At age 16, Stella leaves Mallard with her sister and starts a new life in New Orleans, “passing” as white. She later marries a white man, settles in Los Angeles, and raises a daughter, Kennedy.
Jude Winston: Desiree’s daughter. Distinguished by her dark skin, Jude confronts colorism growing up in the insular, light-skinned community of Mallard. Her interactions with her cousin Kennedy reveal hidden family dynamics.
Kennedy Sanders: Stella's daughter. Unaware of her racial heritage, Kennedy pursues an acting career. She reassesses her identity and relationship with her mother after she meets her cousin Jude.
Reese Carter: Jude's supportive partner, who is undergoing gender reassignment. Reese contributes to the story's themes of transformation and authenticity.
Early Jones: Desiree's childhood friend and eventual partner. Early excels in locating people, enhancing the novel's focus on discovery and belonging.
TV adaptation
HBO has acquired the rights to adapt The Vanishing Half into a limited series, with Brit Bennett serving as executive producer.
About the author
Brit Bennett is a critically acclaimed author of contemporary fiction. A native of California, she studied at Stanford University and earned an MFA in fiction from the University of Michigan. Her debut novel, The Mothers (2016), became a New York Times bestseller. Bennett followed this success with The Vanishing Half (2020), which explores themes of racial identity, colorism, and family dynamics. The Vanishing Half remained on The New York Times bestseller list for 36 weeks and was longlisted for the National Book Award.
