kjcarlson03's review against another edition
emotional
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
sallysivan's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nikkihrose's review against another edition
3.0
Quicksand – this book was fascinating to read and attempt to follow. Helga cannot find her happiness, but instead travels from one place to another, constantly searching for it. She struggles to make sense of her own identity, and thus, her own happiness. She is neither white nor black in her own eyes, and feels disconnected from both communities, ultimately living her life for someone else instead of herself.
Truly insightful to the multiracial and biracial identity lens regarding belonging and happiness in the world. Also presents how different races were viewed in different parts of the world, which was interesting to read about.
Passing – The topic of "passing" for white in America has become a widely researched topic for years. But in this book, Irene and Clare have different ideas of what is at stake. Clare will do anything to pass as white, with even her own husband not knowing the truth. Irene, on the other hand, only does it if it's convenient. She doesn't go out of her way to reveal her racial identity, nor to hide it. Her husband knows her race, as do her friends and her community. Throughout the story, it becomes clear that Clare is seeking out more and more of Irene's lifestyle, but Irene wants Clare and her toxicity as far away from her as possible.
This book was rooted in symbolism and intriguing to read, but a bit hard to follow at times. Either way, still incredibly insightful into the world of other cultures and races, how they're viewed in society, and how they view themselves, as well.
Truly insightful to the multiracial and biracial identity lens regarding belonging and happiness in the world. Also presents how different races were viewed in different parts of the world, which was interesting to read about.
Passing – The topic of "passing" for white in America has become a widely researched topic for years. But in this book, Irene and Clare have different ideas of what is at stake. Clare will do anything to pass as white, with even her own husband not knowing the truth. Irene, on the other hand, only does it if it's convenient. She doesn't go out of her way to reveal her racial identity, nor to hide it. Her husband knows her race, as do her friends and her community. Throughout the story, it becomes clear that Clare is seeking out more and more of Irene's lifestyle, but Irene wants Clare and her toxicity as far away from her as possible.
This book was rooted in symbolism and intriguing to read, but a bit hard to follow at times. Either way, still incredibly insightful into the world of other cultures and races, how they're viewed in society, and how they view themselves, as well.
ottelien's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
foggy_rosamund's review against another edition
3.0
Nella Larsen did not produce much fiction: these two novellas and some short stories comprise all of her published work. I felt that the novellas Quicksand and Passing were the work of a writer who had not quite reached the height of her powers. That being said, they're both very strong, Passing in particular. Quicksand meanders a little too much, without getting to the heart of its central character, but Passing is a deft, insightful piece of work, with a twist I wasn't expecting. Both novels, set and written in the late 1920s, deal with being mixed race, and of Black people "passing" as white. They explore a sense of rootlessness or detachment experienced by their main characters because they are mixed race. They give an insight into Black culture at the time, and especially into the experiences of middle-class women. Definitely worth checking out.
curoniel's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.0
sunny12's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
seeceeread's review against another edition
3.0
[Quicksand only; I had already read Passing]
💭 "She desired ardently to combat this wearing down of her satisfaction with her life, with herself. But she didn't know how."
The title is a shiny party bauble for discussion: Which setting or circumstance is 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 draining for Helga Crane? Larsen sinks her character into social service, poverty, wage labor, international spectacle, jealousy, and finally matrimony and motherhood. At every turn, she is initially eager to leverage change in circumstances, optimistic this will lead to a change in her emotions. But Helga cannot escape herself, ever a half step apart. Cannot crawl from her unsettled worldview, a refractory lens that magnifies annoyance and burns through power dynamics she's expected to pretend are invisible. Larsen tries to convert Helga, then tosses religion away with scornful reproach, as well. The book ends with a grim scene: a depleted mother wearily preparing for a fifth pregnancy.
Larsen also stirs up juicy intrigue around the ignominy of marriage. It's "a grievous necessity [...] Even foolish, despised women must have food and clothing." But hollow: "As if anybody couldn't get married. Anybody. That is, if mere marriage is all one wants." And a trap: "We's all gwine a be ti'ed till kingdom come."
💭 "She desired ardently to combat this wearing down of her satisfaction with her life, with herself. But she didn't know how."
The title is a shiny party bauble for discussion: Which setting or circumstance is 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 draining for Helga Crane? Larsen sinks her character into social service, poverty, wage labor, international spectacle, jealousy, and finally matrimony and motherhood. At every turn, she is initially eager to leverage change in circumstances, optimistic this will lead to a change in her emotions. But Helga cannot escape herself, ever a half step apart. Cannot crawl from her unsettled worldview, a refractory lens that magnifies annoyance and burns through power dynamics she's expected to pretend are invisible. Larsen tries to convert Helga, then tosses religion away with scornful reproach, as well. The book ends with a grim scene: a depleted mother wearily preparing for a fifth pregnancy.
Larsen also stirs up juicy intrigue around the ignominy of marriage. It's "a grievous necessity [...] Even foolish, despised women must have food and clothing." But hollow: "As if anybody couldn't get married. Anybody. That is, if mere marriage is all one wants." And a trap: "We's all gwine a be ti'ed till kingdom come."