The vanishing half

The Vignes twin sisters, identical yet diverging in life paths, grow up in a small southern black community before running away at sixteen. A decade later, their lives are starkly different: one sister remains in their hometown with her black daughter, while the other passes for white, concealing her past from her white husband. Despite the physical and emotional distance, their lives remain connected, raising questions about the future of their daughters when their stories intertwine. Spanning from the Deep South to California and covering the 1950s to the 1990s, the narrative intricately weaves together multiple generations of this family. It is a compelling exploration of identity, particularly the complexities of racial passing, while delving into the profound effects of the past on personal choices, desires, and expectations. The story goes beyond race to examine the various motivations that lead individuals to live outside their origins. Praise for the author highlights her as a significant voice in contemporary literature, noted for her intelligent and empathetic handling of complex issues, as well as her ability to craft beautifully written narratives that resonate deeply with readers.