ReadYourMood
Cover of The Vanishing Half

Literary · Historical

The Vanishing Half

by Brit Bennett

4.2 out of 5, from 767 ratings from Hardcover readers

Twin sisters grow up in a small Black Louisiana town and run away together at sixteen. Years later, one is back with her daughter while the other lives as a white woman, hiding her past, and the book follows both families.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2020
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
352
Format
Standalone
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you like family sagas about identity, belonging and the secrets people keep.

Skip this if you want a fast plot, since this unfolds across decades and many viewpoints.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Racism
  • Prejudice
  • Violence

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Racial slurs
  • Death of parent
  • Domestic abuse
  • Cursing
  • Sexual content
  • Murder
  • Medical content
  • Deadnaming
  • Stalking

Quick answers about The Vanishing Half

What is The Vanishing Half about?
Twin sisters grow up in a small Black Louisiana town and run away together at sixteen. Years later, one is back with her daughter while the other lives as a white woman, hiding her past, and the book follows both families.
Who should read The Vanishing Half?
Read it if you like family sagas about identity, belonging and the secrets people keep. Skip it if you want a fast plot, since this unfolds across decades and many viewpoints.
How long and how fast is The Vanishing Half?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 352 pages, first published in 2020.
Does The Vanishing Half have content warnings?
Content we flag: Racism, Prejudice, Violence.
Can I borrow The Vanishing Half for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Vanishing Half; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Vanishing Half?
Readers who liked it often move on to Americanah, Pachinko.

Where to get it

StorePriceLink
Borrow free
Libby / OverDriveFree with a library card Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive
Print, new
AmazonCheck price Buy new from Amazon
Ebook
KoboCheck price Buy ebook from Kobo
Google Play BooksCheck price Buy ebook from Google Play Books
Audiobook
AudibleCheck price Buy audiobook from Audible

Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.

Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works

Because you might love it

If you loved The Vanishing Half

All picks

Literary

More to read

All literary