Play Book Tag discussion

Passing by Nella Larsen - 4 stars - My Review

Childhood friends Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry reconnect after many years. Irene has remained in the black community of her youth, while Clare has married a bigoted white man who does not know his wife is of mixed race. Clare misses a feeling of community and befriends Irene’s family, spending time at their house and attending local functions. Irene is not completely comfortable with her old friend and is troubled by her decision to “pass.” This troubled feeling is at the heart of the book.

The story is narrated in third person from Irene’s perspective. It examines loyalty, longing, respect, risk-taking, and identity. I read it as both an indictment of racism and a portrayal of the heavy personal cost of social mores that require racial categorization. It was published in 1929, during a time when “separate but equal” was the law of the land in the US. I was unprepared for the ending and it offers the reader many possible interpretations. I can see why this book is considered a classic.

I didn’t know much about this book before I read it, found it to be quite the surprise gem - I really enjoyed it. Glad you liked it as well! Quicksand is also good if you want to read more by Larsen.

I read it earlier this year and was surprised by how "modern" it is. Also the ending is quite dramatic. I think I was alerted to it but one of the many lists that came out around Black Lives Matter, like "little-known black authors". Another one from the same era is the satirical Black No More, where a scientist discovers a way to make black people white and how that changes American society. Very funny in a biting way, and also very short.

Hilde wrote: "I didn’t know much about this book before I read it, found it to be quite the surprise gem - I really enjoyed it. Glad you liked it as well! Quicksand is also good if you want to read more by Larsen."

I just bought a copy of Quicksand. Thanks for the tip!

Robin P wrote: "I read it earlier this year and was surprised by how "modern" it is. Also the ending is quite dramatic. I think I was alerted to it but one of the many lists that came out around Black Lives Matter..."

I agree, it reads as very modern, especially considering it was published in 1929! Of course, it also means racism hasn't exactly changed a lot, unfortunately. I am glad the laws, at least, have changed since that era.

I read it earlier this year and also got a lot out of it. I thought it was well done. But I couldn’t help reflecting on it as I read the vanishing half just this past month. There was absolutely a similarity they could not be denied.

I'll have to put this on my list!

Amy wrote: "I read it earlier this year and also got a lot out of it. I thought it was well done. But I couldn’t help reflecting on it as I read the vanishing half just this past month. There was absolutely a ..."

I have not read The Vanishing Half but I noticed on the blurb sounds similar to this one.

Meli wrote: "I'll have to put this on my list!"
Hope you enjoy it, Meli.

Loved this book when it was a selection for my F2F book club in Oct 2019. I've since recommended it to many people.

Glad you enjoyed it too, BC!

Fikenat872 wrote: "I concur, it peruses as exceptionally present day, particularly considering it was distributed in 1929! Obviously, it additionally implies prejudice hasn't actually changed a great deal, tragically..."
Yes, glad the laws have changed but unfortunately some attitudes have not.