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A review by rieviolet
Due donne by Nella Larsen
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
4.0
This novella packs a lot into a little more than one hundred pages.
In the foreground there's race and the concept of passing, with all of its moral implications. I think the theme is explored really well, and through the different characters we can observe all of its nuances.
The author is also good at delving deep into the main character's psychology. The relationship between Irene and Clare is fraught with conflicting emotions, and it is build upon in a very clever way until the shocking breaking point.
I really appreciated the themes and the prose, but I wasn't completely swept away by the story, hence the 4-star rating.
In the foreground there's race and the concept of passing, with all of its moral implications. I think the theme is explored really well, and through the different characters we can observe all of its nuances.
The author is also good at delving deep into the main character's psychology. The relationship between Irene and Clare is fraught with conflicting emotions, and it is build upon in a very clever way until the shocking breaking point.
I really appreciated the themes and the prose, but I wasn't completely swept away by the story, hence the 4-star rating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Fatphobia, Hate crime, Infidelity, Suicide, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, and Classism