Reviews with content warning for Racism - Passing

Excellent read and was very helpful in helping me understand the struggles of the Black community at the time the book was written. My only complaint is that I feel like the story wasn't wrapped up as well as it could've been. I think a part 2 would do it well but as the author's deceased I don't think that's happening.

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dexkit10's review against another edition

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emotional tense 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

4.25

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utopiaandmelancholy's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective tense medium-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

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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bertabuecher's review against another edition

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emotional reflective tense slow-paced

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

4.0

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