Printable Book Club Questions for The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Let’s first talk about what the title means in the context of this story.
The story starts off with Desiree returning home to Mallard, Louisiana after running away at age 16 with her twin sister Stella. In many ways, the town is another character to the story. Let’s talk about this and the impact of the town on both the twins and Desiree’s daughter, Jude.
Desiree and Stella’s father is murdered by white men in a horrific crime that sees no justice. This tragedy impacted the sisters in different ways. Desiree seems to bury it but Stella is very traumatized. Why do you think Stella made such a significant decision to leave behind everything and deny a huge part of who she is?
Despite the fact that Stella takes on a new identity as a white woman, her past is always with her. Do you agree that no matter how far away home is, it never leaves you?
How do you think Stella was able to hide the fact that she’s black for so long? How do you think she was able to conceal it from Blake? Do you think she will ever tell him the truth?
What did you think about the relationship between Desiree and Early? How does it differ from Stella and Blake’s?
Jude is bullied in Mallard and they tore down her confidence. But she gets a scholarship to UCLA and she eventually flourishes. Let’s talk about Jude’s character development in the story.
Let’s talk about the differences between Jude and Kennedy as a result of upbringing and environment.
Jude meets Reese, the love of her life. Let’s talk about their romance and how they bonded through their traumatic pasts.
If they would have actually developed a true friendship, do you think Stella would have ever told her neighbor Loretta the truth about who she really is? Do you think Loretta suspected anything about Stella?
Stella thinks about “passing” and that at first it seemed so simple, she wondered why her parents didn’t. “She hadn’t realized how long it takes to become somebody else, or how lonely it can be living in a world not meant for you.” Let’s discuss this.
Stella thinks that becoming a white person means an easier life. Maybe it is as far as money due to Blake’s job but she’s never quite herself. Desiree dealt with horrible abuse but once she gets away, she’s content with Early and loves her daughter. Do you think Desiree ended up having the better life?
Let’s talk a bit more about Jude and Kennedy’s relationship and dynamic. Why do you think they end up staying in touch after everything is all said and done?
Why did Stella finally decide to go home? What did you think about the reunion of Desiree and Stella? Why didn’t Stella stay longer?
Kennedy knows the truth and thinks her mother showed her love by lying and in turn, Kennedy does the same. What did she mean by that?
What did you think about the ending? Were you happy to see Desiree finally leave Mallard?