Reviews

Passing, by Nella Larsen

barkingcave's review against another edition

3.0

This was an interesting book. It started slowly, then the animosity that Irene starts to feel for Clare begins to grow, culminating in a chilling ending that it is the result of a momentary decision. Irene had mixed feelings for Clare, and there was no reason for Clare to think that Irene had any ill intentions towards her. In fact, Irene most likely didn't have ill intentions, but only underlying hostility and a momentary action changed things permanently. This reminded me of "A Separate Peace", in terms of the relationship between Clare and Irene. In "A Separate Peace", there are two childhood friends, but one of them has better circumstances - and the other is jealous but doesn't show it to himself or to his friend. But one day, a momentary impulse leads the jealous one to harm his friend in a lifechanging way - and in a way in which he can't explain or understand . No one ever finds out what really happened, but it changed both boys lives forever. "Passing" contained very different circumstances but what struck me was that a basically good person ends up doing a very bad thing, that small jealousies can have enormous consequences.

ekilla's review against another edition

5.0

waiting for nella larsen to pay ilene chaiken her royalties for the character of one clare kendry...

o_w_e_n's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs

indydhania's review

challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

carolinasz's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

keezy92's review against another edition

3.0

Passing was an interesting window into race in America in late 1920s, and the dynamics that came into play in relation to the darkness of one’s skin. Another element that intrigued me, however, is some subtext that will resonate with the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a quick read, but one filled with questions worth discussing.

iina's review against another edition

4.0

Hugely enjoyed this one. At only 134 pages, Passing offers a rather large story. It explores female friendship, racial identity and politics, and the prejudices of the 20th century in a sharp and observant manner. At almost 100 years old, this novel is still very relevant and offers a lot to a reader in this time, too.

(As a side note, can't wait to see what they do with the film adaptation!)

Thank you to BookBreak UK / Picador for sending me a free review copy of this book.

darlenec's review against another edition

4.0

I know this book was written during the Harlem
Renaissance and social mores’ were different however Irenes lack of a voice infuriated me! Claire was the typical quintessential tragic mulatto, caught between wanting to be white slowly realizing she was also black and longed for that connection also. The ending is the only reason I didn’t give it five stars. I wanted some sort of ending. This, to me, was a cliffhanger. The writing was excellent! Great book overall.

atgerstner's review

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

ghajani's review against another edition

3.0

3.5.