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.