Passing

by Nella Larson

"Passing" is a novel written by Nella Larsen, first published in 1929. Set in Harlem during the 1920s, the story revolves around the lives of two light-skinned African American women, Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry, who are childhood friends and are both able to "pass" as white due to their fair complexions.

"Passing" is celebrated for its exploration of racial and gender identity, as well as its nuanced portrayal of the complexities surrounding the practice of passing in a society marked by racial prejudice and discrimination. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the choices individuals make in defining their identity and the societal pressures that shape those decisions.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2023

Reviews

[Caroline Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the ambiguous ending and unreliable narrator! This book made me feel certain about the characters motivations at the beginning, but left me thinking at the end. Looking forward to the book club discussion about the ending!

[Elizabeth Heisler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reread this book after reading and analyzing it in college. I was reading The Vanishing Half and it also covers the topic of passing within the black community, which made me want to reexamine Passing by Nella Larson. I think it's a culturally significant topic to be explored, and as a white person I have to realize my own privilege in looking at it from an outside point of view.

This book is small but mighty. While it's short, the pages are packed with interactions that I could (and did, back in college) write essays about. Aside from the obvious racial implications, you could also look at it from a feminist or even a homoerotic lens. I remember the first time reading it, being captivated by Irene's obvious attraction to Clare, or at least her obsession with her. There is also something to be said about the sexism seen throughout the novel.

This book is certainly a true classic and I think I will always enjoy returning to it to gather new perspectives.

[Suzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what you thought could happen when a black woman in the 1920's was "caught" passing as a white woman. So many did out of necessity; but when Clare seeks out Irene; 2 black women who grew up together- their lives turn upside down. Clare had married well, and had a daughter- but had been passing herself off as a white woman. Irene also married well, but as a black woman, raising a family in Harlem. Things come to a head, when despite Irene's warmings- Clare's racist husband finds out she is black. Won't spoil it...but there are still lots of underlying emotions. Great book. So much to learn from it.

[MJ Beaufrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked that the author didn't spell out the ending explicitly, and the reader has to draw their own conclusions. I would love to chat with a group about this one.

[Jay Blais · Rating 3 out of 5]

Required reading for school. Amazing perspective from being mixed during this time period and exploration of double consciousness and superiority but rather slow paced and a little dull

[Denise Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think audiobook is not the format in which to "read" this book. I will give it another try in paper format so I can focus more.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty slow in the first half, second half picked up for me. Juicy little twist at the end. Overall a good read.

[Sidra Zammam · Rating 5 out of 5]

KILLED ME

[Alyssa Valdivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

this classic was really really good. the open ending was really nice , and I liked the plot twist.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was genuinly one to one with the film wow. idk if theres ever been a more faithful adaptation