Reviews of the vanishing half5/10/2023 This book and its characters have been lovingly crafted with both flaws and triumphs that weave together seamlessly. It never seemed as if a character’s sole existence was meant to serve the book’s ability to represent an identity or a struggle. Bennet’s book explores issues of racial identity and belonging, gender identity, family (both blood and found), privilege, and relationships - all while managing to stay historically accurate. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet is a novel that follows two twins, Stella and Desiree, as they go through their lives, separating, reconvening, and touching the lives of those around them. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet is different. These are examples of some common tropes I’ve seen in the media lately. A disabled character who is reduced down to their disability and pigeonholed into stereotypes. A sassy gay character who comes in to give the main character a few words of advice before perishing or otherwise being removed from the plot. The unfortunate thing, however, is that representation has come to mean that simply the mention of and halfhearted attempt to engage with various identities and struggles. Representation is important, and no writer, director, or other creative wants to be left out. It seems as though every new piece of media that has come out recently is trying to appeal to a wider spectrum of viewers.
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