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jhbandcats's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
While there are many qualities that make this a "good book,” I didn't enjoy reading it. I didn't care for either Irene or Clare, the protagonists. I could see why each made the choices she did, but I didn't find them likable characters. Clare was too desperate and driven, determined to have everything, no matter the cost. Irene was too insecure and weak. I couldn't understand how her determination to avoid Clare would vanish like a wisp of smoke the minute Clare appeared.
That said, I can't begin to imagine the terrors life would hold for someone passing. Even today there's so much
racism that I imagine anyone caught passing would be a pariah. A hundred years ago, Clare's life would be ruined. Being married to a virulent bigot must have taken incredible courage.
A fascinating look at New York upper-middle-class Black society in the 1920s.
That said, I can't begin to imagine the terrors life would hold for someone passing. Even today there's so much
racism that I imagine anyone caught passing would be a pariah. A hundred years ago, Clare's life would be ruined. Being married to a virulent bigot must have taken incredible courage.
A fascinating look at New York upper-middle-class Black society in the 1920s.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Classism
froggybooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, and Classism
elenatamsen's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, and Classism
Minor: Abandonment
jessiebertram's review against another edition
reflective
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Classism