The Vanishing Half ★★★★
Brit Bennett, Dialogue Books, R355
This captivating novel tells multiple unfinished versions of stories that revolve around twins Stella and Desiree Vignes. The pair of lightskinned black girls have one major event that changes the course of their lives. Restless Desiree wants to run away, desiring to be anywhere but a town that worships the light complexion of black people and in essence whiteness. Reserved Stella lies about who she is so she can have the freedom of a white woman. The twins never find their way back to each other again but as fate would have it, their daughters — one blue-black in complexion and the other a blue-eyed blonde — meet in the most bizarre way.
PISCES
Feb 19 - Mar 20
For some reason, you’re determined to transform your lover into someone else. Focus on appreciating what you have instead of what you don’t, or Saturday’s full moon will take the whole lot away. Meanwhile, if you’re thinking career changes, ask for advice before you jump. And no, asking for help is not a sign of weakness — quite the opposite, actually.
ARIES
Mar 21 - April 19
Just because you’re terrified of giving up your independence doesn’t mean you have to be alone for the rest of your life. It’s a new age, and new relationship options are being created all the time. Think about ways to keep personal freedom and passionate love in the same head. You don’t want to miss your chance to live the dream. Meanwhile, Saturday’s full moon looks at different job options. Pay attention to the signs.
TAURUS
Apr 20 - May 20
Your ego has taken on a life of its own and frankly, for your relationships to survive, you’ll have to ask yourself some serious questions — like how important is it to be right? How terrible to lose face? How often do you need to consider someone else’s feelings? Saturday’s full moon will zap you if you misbehave, although it will also bring interesting new financial options if you’re paying attention. Swings and roundabouts.
GEMINI
May 21 - June 20
You want adventure? You’ve got it. The words here are: sink or swim. The debate about whether you’re willing to get into the water was over long ago. There is nothing more triumphant than the knowledge that there are fights you can actually win. This is your chance to be the warrior – to save yourself and others. Preparation? Eat your greens and lift some weights. You’ll need to be in shape for this.
CANCER
June 21 - Jul 22
There’s fire to lift your spirits. Which is just as well, because the emotions have moved into rollercoaster mode and the financial stresses are in danger of sabotaging your moves. Get rid of bad feelings by writing them down and then burning the page. There are parties to be seduced, money to be made and deals to be finalised.
LEO
Jul 23 - Aug 22
Socially, you’ve become especially influential in groups – and an absolute winner in a team. Keep your ego on a leash, though. You can shine just as easily through others as you can on your own. Meanwhile, you’ll have to be especially careful with the lovers. If you’re really not ready to make commitments, gently explain why. No need to blow a fuse and disappear into the night. That’s just cruel – as you very well know.
VIRGO
Aug 23 - Sep 22
Think big and you’ll get big rewards. Teaming up with a friend or colleague could work well for you even though you’re suspicious of partnerships. Why not set up a brainstorming session to swap ideas and resolve an important issue before it raises its head? Flexibility is freedom – as Saturday’s Virgo full moon will show you.
LIBRA
Sep 23 - Oct 22
Feeling lonely? Remember, loneliness for a Libra means less than nine dates a week. So get a grip. The real fear is that if you spend an evening alone you may be forced to re-evaluate your life. Unless, of course, you’d rather sit on the phone whining to anyone who’ll listen. Which would be one way of avoiding a row of very noisy planets all demanding a silent rethink. The full moon is asking for new plans, so make some.
SCORPIO
Oct 23 - Nov 21
Extra work behind the scenes will prepare you for a more effective presentation of some sparkling new ideas. If you can, schedule your meetings for some time next week, when you will be more widely appreciated. And guard your ideas. Someone might try to borrow before you’re ready to share. Aside from that, take a trip with someone delicious, and have some fun. The bush is calling. As is Saturday’s fabulously sensual full moon.
SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21
If it’s a job switch you’re after, think twice. Just because you’re feeling unappreciated doesn’t mean a new job is going to change your life. In fact, if you work on changing your attitude, there’ll be huge brownie points as you come up with brilliant solutions to difficult problems. Use Saturday’s full moon to rethink your dreams.
CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20
If the love life’s still hopeless, keep a lookout for someone new and fascinating. And until you find what you’re looking for, be polite. Your instincts are still hopeless – until next month, actually – so stick around until you’re sure. At work, meanwhile, there are those who are threatened by your success. How about showing them how to develop their own skills so they don’t have to swipe yours?
AQUARIUS
Jan 20 - Feb 18
Make a wish and it will be granted. The planets are with you, shining down on your every need. So ignore that long list of fears (which, being as stubborn as you are, refuses to go away) and aim for the impossible. Also, if you need to be heard, state your case sometime next week. And if you need a favour, smile and ask. One thing though: admirers will be panting around your ankles, which could get a bit much. Be polite.