The Vanishing Half Book Club Discussion Questions

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SSF Book Club

February 2021

The Vanishing Half by Brit BennettDiscussion GuideThe Vignes twin sisters will always be identical.But after growing up together in a small,southern black community and running away atage sixteen, it's not just the shape of their dailylives that is different as adults, it's everything:their families, their communities, their racialidentities. Many years later, one sister lives withher black daughter in the same southern townshe once tried to escape. The other secretlypasses for white, and her white husband knowsnothing of her past. Still, even separated by somany miles and just as many lies, the fates ofthe twins remain intertwined. What will happento the next generation, when their owndaughters' storylines intersect?

Weaving together multiple strands andgenerations of this family, from the Deep Southto California, from the 1950s to the 1990s, BritBennett produces a story that is at once ariveting, emotional family story and a brilliantexploration of the American history of passing.Looking well beyond issues of race, TheVanishing Half considers the lasting influence ofthe past as it shapes a person's decisions,desires, and expectations, and explores some ofthe multiple reasons and realms in which peoplesometimes feel pulled to live as somethingother than their origins. -- from author's website

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SSF Book Club

February 2021

The Vanishing Halfby Brit Bennett:Go Beyond the Book

Let’s first talk about what the title meansin the context of this story.The story starts off with Desiree returninghome to Mallard, Louisiana after runningaway at age 16 with her twin sister Stella.In many ways, the town is anothercharacter to the story. Let’s talk aboutthis and the impact of the town on boththe twins and Desiree’s daughter, Jude.Desiree and Stella’s father is murdered bywhite men in a horrific crime that sees nojustice. This tragedy impacted the sistersin different ways. Desiree seems to bury itbut Stella is very traumatized. Why do youthink Stella made such a significantdecision to leave behind everything anddeny a huge part of who she is?

Discussion Questions

February 2021

The Vanishing Half

Despite the fact that Stella takes on a newidentity as a white woman, her past isalways with her. Do you agree that nomatter how far away home is, it neverleaves you?How do you think Stella was able to hidethe fact that she’s black for so long? Howdo you think she was able to conceal itfrom Blake? Do you think she will ever tellhim the truth?What did you think about the relationshipbetween Desiree and Early? How does itdiffer from Stella and Blake’s?Jude is bullied in Mallard and they toredown her confidence. But she gets ascholarship to UCLA and she eventuallyflourishes. Let’s talk about Jude’scharacter development in the story.

Discussion Questions

February 2021

The Vanishing Half

Let’s talk about the differencesbetween Jude and Kennedy as a resultof upbringing and environment.Jude meets Reese, the love of her life.Let’s talk about their romance and howthey bonded through their traumaticpasts.If they would have actually developeda true friendship, do you think Stellawould have ever told her neighborLoretta the truth about who she reallyis? Do you think Loretta suspectedanything about Stella?Stella thinks about “passing” and thatat first it seemed so simple, shewondered why her parents didn’t. “Shehadn’t realized how long it takes tobecome somebody else, or how lonelyit can be living in a world not meant foryou.” Let’s discuss this.

Discussion Questions

February 2021

The Vanishing Half

Stella thinks that becoming a whiteperson means an easier life. Maybe it isas far as money due to Blake’s job butshe’s never quite herself. Desiree dealtwith horrible abuse but once she getsaway, she’s content with Early and lovesher daughter. Do you think Desireeended up having the better life?Let’s talk a bit more about Jude andKennedy’s relationship and dynamic.Why do you think they end up staying intouch after everything is all said anddone?Why did Stella finally decide to gohome? What did you think about thereunion of Desiree and Stella? Whydidn’t Stella stay longer?

Discussion Questions

February 2021

The Vanishing Half

Kennedy knows the truth and thinks hermother showed her love by lying and inturn, Kennedy does the same. What didshe mean by that?What did you think about the ending?Were you happy to see Desiree finallyleave Mallard?

Questions from: https://bookclubchat.com/books/book-club-questions-for-the-vanishing-half-by-brit-bennett/

Discussion Questions

February 2021

The Vanishing Half

PBSLitLoversBookBrowse

The Bluest Eye by Toni MorrisonA Woman Is No Man by Etaf RumConjure Women by Afia AtakoraThe Grammarians by Cathleen SchineLittle Fires Everywhere by Celeste NgCommonwealth by Ann PatchettThe Mothers by Brit Bennett

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Discussion Questions

February 2021

The Vanishing Half: Further Reading