Reviews with content warning for Toxic friendship - Passing

A short exploration of identity and racism at a pivotal moment in the 20th century. The introduction in this edition provided some great background on Larsen's life, which also put this somewhat auto-biographical story into context.
The prose was very good, and Irene's inner monologue and anxieties provide the tension that keeps the book thrumming. Her complex feelings about Clare's choices were presented in the confusing way that she experiences them. The ending shocked me despite already knowing the events that would occur.
A really thought-provoking book, discussing identity in a way I had not really considered previously.

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kerrence30's review against another edition

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challenging emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Really interesting insight into the idea of “passing” that I’d never have considered before. Very of it’s time, so extreme levels of bigotry and blatant racism throughout.

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wytnie's review against another edition

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4.5

I liked the book i was mainly interested in it because I'm black and wanted to see how this subject would be addressed in the past. I think the writing was interesting given how old it is but not bad. Thinking about reading "quicksand" that's also by Nella Larsen. Lastly, idk if its just me but sometimes it kind of felt like Clare and Irene liked each other because at times it gave "ex-girlfriends who still love each other" instead of old kinda sorta friends.

I will say, personally i am so happy that who died in the end did, i feel like it was the only way for things to get better for literally any of the other characters, I also think its kind of what she wanted in her own way.

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threeundertwopnw's review against another edition

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reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

I was not prepared for the ending. Overall a fascinating slice of history.

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maraudergrl90's review against another edition

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fast-paced

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

4.0

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