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macklin's review against another edition
Might get back to it just busy with other reading and don’t want to pick it up.
amilee_h's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a compilation of the two novels and published short stories of Harlem Renaissance writer Nella Larson. Her writing style is what I think of as “1920s” style—crisp, direct, and detailed in both scenery and the narrator’s internal monologue. Her novels are quick reads, but layered in their messages and observations. Highly recommended.
srayford75's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting stories! Nella's use of tension draws you in immediately...can't put it down!
terenehidia's review against another edition
5.0
"Discovering The Complete Fiction of Nella Larsen is like finding lost money with no name on it. One can enjoy it with delight and share it without guilt."
--Maya Angelou
So said, I cannot say it any better. My only wish is that there is more work yet to be discovered. She is simply one of the best writers of the 20th century. Period. I did not want any of the stories to stop. Quicksand, my favorite of the two short novels, I literally gasped when I turned to the final page. I had to stop for a few moments to pause and reflect. Brilliant Ms Larsen is, I want to wake her up from her slumber and ask her to Please please please write more!
--Maya Angelou
So said, I cannot say it any better. My only wish is that there is more work yet to be discovered. She is simply one of the best writers of the 20th century. Period. I did not want any of the stories to stop. Quicksand, my favorite of the two short novels, I literally gasped when I turned to the final page. I had to stop for a few moments to pause and reflect. Brilliant Ms Larsen is, I want to wake her up from her slumber and ask her to Please please please write more!
sharimeyer's review against another edition
5.0
Marking as finished having read the foreword, introduction, stories, and Passing, and planning to circle back at some point to Quicksand.
I loved Passing. I kind of already want to read it again, or for Netflix to rush the film adaptation. Larsen has a great writing style and the novella was kind of a slow build with some great twists along the way, and at the end.
I will likely teach Sanctuary this semester to my American Lit students. I think we could assign Passing at the Honors level. Gave me some The Awakening vibes.
Reading Challenges
Stronger Spine: 30, A classic by a female author
I loved Passing. I kind of already want to read it again, or for Netflix to rush the film adaptation. Larsen has a great writing style and the novella was kind of a slow build with some great twists along the way, and at the end.
I will likely teach Sanctuary this semester to my American Lit students. I think we could assign Passing at the Honors level. Gave me some The Awakening vibes.
Reading Challenges
Stronger Spine: 30, A classic by a female author
pictusfish's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
glitterenby's review
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
thechanelmuse's review against another edition
4.0
This is quite the engrossing read. The Complete Fiction of Nella Larsen consists of three short stories—The Wrong Man, Freedom, and Sanctuary—and two novels—Quicksand and Passing.
The parallel themes in these stories actually reflect Nella's own life. In particular, yearning for liberation from the suffocating confinements in one's life. I wish her writing journey lasted longer than it did. She had an intriguing writing style, especially how she explored the emotional states of her characters.
The parallel themes in these stories actually reflect Nella's own life. In particular, yearning for liberation from the suffocating confinements in one's life. I wish her writing journey lasted longer than it did. She had an intriguing writing style, especially how she explored the emotional states of her characters.
kittyhearted's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-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
4.0
beehan__'s review
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0