Overdue Podcast Episode 690: A Deep Dive into The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Release Date: February 17, 2025

In Episode 690 of Overdue, hosted by Andrew and Craig from Headgum, the duo embarks on an insightful exploration of Brit Bennett’s acclaimed novel, The Vanishing Half. This episode delves into the intricate themes, character developments, and structural nuances that make the book a standout in contemporary literature.

1. Introduction to The Vanishing Half

Andrew introduces the episode by highlighting the book's prominence on several best-of lists since its publication in 2020. He shares a personal anecdote about how his wife, Laura, influenced his decision to read the book, noting its recommendation by influential figures like Barack Obama. The Vanishing Half quickly rose to fame, hitting the number one spot on the New York Times Best Sellers list and garnering attention for its potential adaptation into a TV show.

Notable Quote:

Andrew, 04:16: "I read the Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. It's a book that's been on some best of lists for the last few years."

2. Brit Bennett: Author Background and Early Works

Craig provides a comprehensive overview of Brit Bennett’s background, emphasizing her academic achievements with an English degree from Stanford University and an MFA from the University of Michigan. He notes that Bennett's debut novel, The Mothers, was published in 2016 to critical acclaim and was even optioned for a film adaptation with Kerry Washington attached to direct—a project that, despite initial excitement, has yet to materialize.

Notable Quote:

Craig, 05:13: "It was optioned for a movie, and then nobody ever follows up on it."

Bennett’s subsequent novel, The Vanishing Half, published in 2020, continues her exploration of themes such as identity, race, and family dynamics. Additionally, Bennett has contributed to The American Girl Company, creating literature for the character Claudy Wells, a black girl growing up during the Harlem Renaissance.

3. Themes and Structural Analysis of The Vanishing Half

Andrew and Craig delve into the core themes of The Vanishing Half, particularly the concept of "passing" and its implications on identity and familial relationships. Andrew references Bennett’s intent to move beyond traditional narratives surrounding passing, striving to avoid clichés like the "tragic mulatto" trope commonly seen in literature such as Nella Larson’s Passing.

Notable Quote:

Andrew, 14:15: "It's about identity that follows from, among other things, one woman's decision to pass for white."

Craig brings attention to the novel's non-linear structure, noting Bennett’s method of jumping across different timelines and perspectives to weave a multifaceted narrative. He references a New York Times review by Ayanna Mathis, which critiques the book's structural choices—particularly the shift in focus from the original sisters to their daughters—as potentially detracting from the story’s vitality.

Notable Quote:

Craig, 30:00: "The novel fails to imagine meaningful storylines or compelling links between the young women and their mother's burdens."

Andrew counters by appreciating the depth this structure adds, comparing it to real-life memory recall where events are interconnected and not always linear.

4. Character Dynamics and Development

The discussion extensively covers the novel's principal characters—Desiree and Stella Vignes—and their divergent paths. Desiree’s return to her hometown years after fleeing with her darker-skinned daughter, Jude, sets the stage for exploring the lingering impacts of past decisions. Stella’s choice to pass as white leads her to a life of privilege but emotional isolation in California, highlighting the personal costs of denying one's true identity.

Notable Quotes:

Andrew, 27:00: "Desiree is the first whole section of the book. And then, you know, you track her throughout the book because you have other characters thinking about her."

Craig, 49:42: "She is a woman who.... who never told or disclosed her true identity."

The hosts discuss how the novel also introduces Stella’s daughter, Kennedy, adding another layer to the generational narrative. Kennedy’s rebellious nature and secretive relationships mirror the complexities introduced by her mother's choices, adding tension and depth to the familial saga.

5. Critical Perspectives and Insights

Craig references a New York Times review that critiques the novel’s focus shift from the original sisters to their daughters, suggesting it diminishes the emotional impact. Andrew acknowledges this perspective but offers a counterpoint by emphasizing the thematic richness introduced by exploring the second generation's struggles with identity and legacy.

They also discuss the novel’s portrayal of relationships—how love and pain coexist, and how characters navigate complex emotions and societal pressures. The reconciliation between Desiree and Stella towards the novel’s end, set against the backdrop of Adele’s Alzheimer's diagnosis, symbolizes a nuanced closure that resists traditional dramatic tropes.

Notable Quote:

Andrew, 57:20: "It's a version of her giving Stella an out where, like, one of the people who would really be interested to punish her just can't and isn't interested in it."

6. Thematic Reflections on Identity and Passing

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the theme of identity, particularly how characters in The Vanishing Half construct and navigate their personas. Andrew draws parallels between Stella’s continuous passing and the performative aspects of acting, engaging in a playful debate about the nature of lying versus performance art.

Notable Quote:

Andrew, 39:26: "If acting is going to get to truth, which I do think it can do, it is usually because we go into a room or we sit in front of a screen where we like as the viewer and the audience agree to be part of the pretend so that we can experience real things in a controlled environment."

This exploration underscores how Bennett uses personal and societal identities to comment on broader racial and cultural dynamics.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up the episode, Andrew and Craig reflect on the multifaceted narrative of The Vanishing Half, appreciating its depth and the honest portrayal of its characters’ struggles. They acknowledge the book’s strengths in thematic exploration and character development while also considering the critiques related to its structural choices.

Notable Quote:

Andrew, 64:20: "It's an interesting meditation on, like, what that would do."

The hosts express their gratitude for engaging with Bennett’s work, noting its relevance and the thoughtful conversations it inspires about race, identity, and family.

8. Looking Ahead

Before concluding, Andrew and Craig tease the next episode, where they plan to read Invasion by K.A. Applegate, expressing curiosity about revisiting a beloved series from their childhoods.

Notable Quote:

Craig, 65:44: "Next week we are both reading the invasion Animorphs number one by K.A. Applegate. Looking forward to this."

Key Takeaways

• The Vanishing Half is a compelling exploration of identity, race, and the long-term consequences of personal choices.
• Brit Bennett’s non-linear narrative structure adds depth but may divide readers’ opinions regarding its effectiveness.
• The novel's focus on multiple generations provides a rich tapestry of character development and thematic exploration.
• Critical discussions highlight the balance between narrative structure and emotional resonance in contemporary literature.

If you're intrigued by The Vanishing Half and enjoy deep literary discussions, be sure to tune into Episode 690 of Overdue for a comprehensive analysis and engaging conversation between Andrew and Craig.