Author Brit Bennett on her acclaimed book, “The Vanishing Half” episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 14, 2026 · 50 MIN

Author Brit Bennett on her acclaimed book, “The Vanishing Half”

from Connections Podcast · host WXXI News

Twin sisters — light-skinned African Americans — eventually split and live very different lives: one, as a Black woman; the other, choosing a life as a white woman. Bennett’s book follows their stories across generations. She'll be in Rochester next week for an event with the Rochester Speaker Series, but first, she joins us on "Connections" to discuss themes of identity, passing, and self-acceptance. Our guests: Brit Bennett, author of the National Book Award-nominated novel, "The Vanishing Half" Norma Holland, chief of staff at the Office of University Engagement and Enrichment at the University of Rochester and former journalist Nancy Klotz, president of the board of the Rochester Speakers Series ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Twin sisters — light-skinned African Americans — eventually split and live very different lives: one, as a Black woman; the other, choosing a life as a white woman. Bennett’s book follows their stories across generations. She'll be in Rochester next week for an event with the Rochester Speaker Series, but first, she joins us on "Connections" to discuss themes of identity, passing, and self-acceptance. Our guests: Brit Bennett, author of the National Book Award-nominated novel, "The Vanishing Half" Norma Holland, chief of staff at the Office of University Engagement and Enrichment at the University of Rochester and former journalist Nancy Klotz, president of the board of the Rochester Speakers Series --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.  Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here. --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

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Author Brit Bennett on her acclaimed book, “The Vanishing Half”

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This episode is 50 minutes long.

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This episode was published on April 14, 2026.

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Twin sisters — light-skinned African Americans — eventually split and live very different lives: one, as a Black woman; the other, choosing a life as a white woman. Bennett’s book follows their stories across generations. She'll be in Rochester next...

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