The Vanishing Half

5/5 stars

While the Vignes sisters are twins, their lives have taken them on vastly different paths. After growing up in a southern Black community, they parted ways in complete opposite directions. Ten years later, one returns to their hometown with a daughter whose dark skin has people talking. The other sister is passing as white in a completely different life and no one around her suspects a thing. After being estranged for so long, the twins’ paths will eventually meet again, but how will they handle the confrontation? 

This was a complex story that resonated with me. As I expected from reading the book jacket summary, this book broadened my perspective of the black community, (internalized) racism, and colorism. While racism, colorism, and identity struggles also exist within the Asian community (and in my life as a transracial adoptee), I really appreciated the perspectives of these issues within the Black community.

I found this book to be more character-driven than plot-driven. I enjoyed all of the characters. They were complex and developed. I didn’t feel like I was missing any information or questioning their motivations. They were all flawed in their own ways and despite the twins growing up in the same household, the way their experiences shaped their adult lives was entirely unique. 

The story was a bit slow for me in the beginning as I worked to pick up the backstory, but it quickly became a book I couldn’t put down. It alternates timelines and points of view which allows you to see events happening simultaneously on a larger scale. I really enjoyed this and would recommend to everyone.