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A review by jjkmanga
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
4.0
cw for racism, colorism
Set in 20th century America and following the lives of 4 women dealing with their racial identity, this was the pick for my book club, and I really didn't think I'd be able to get through it. I'd originally gotten the book for the trans representation, but the beginning was slow and boring. Honestly, I was ready to just not read it at all and make up something at the meeting.
Without a doubt, Stella is the most interesting character. She's wholly unlikeable and has the most pitiful life out of the women. Her sections and points of view were so...new. So completely out of the ordinary in the way that someone would think. She's the only reason I didn't put the book down at first. Of course, it was Reese and Jude that kept me going the rest of the way.
I think this is definitely an interesting perspective, and quite thrilling once it gets going, but I was completely confused by some characters' relationships with each other. I mean, some of this book was just depressing. Not depressing as in sad, depressing as in, "This sucks." I felt miserable at times for the characters and I just wanted it to be over.
I'm glad I got to finish the book for the club. It was slow as hell at first, but still a worthwhile read.
"Well, maybe that's your problem. You tell yourself no before anyone even says it to you."
Set in 20th century America and following the lives of 4 women dealing with their racial identity, this was the pick for my book club, and I really didn't think I'd be able to get through it. I'd originally gotten the book for the trans representation, but the beginning was slow and boring. Honestly, I was ready to just not read it at all and make up something at the meeting.
Without a doubt, Stella is the most interesting character. She's wholly unlikeable and has the most pitiful life out of the women. Her sections and points of view were so...new. So completely out of the ordinary in the way that someone would think. She's the only reason I didn't put the book down at first. Of course, it was Reese and Jude that kept me going the rest of the way.
I think this is definitely an interesting perspective, and quite thrilling once it gets going, but I was completely confused by some characters' relationships with each other. I mean, some of this book was just depressing. Not depressing as in sad, depressing as in, "This sucks." I felt miserable at times for the characters and I just wanted it to be over.
I'm glad I got to finish the book for the club. It was slow as hell at first, but still a worthwhile read.