A review by jhbandcats
Passing by Nella Larsen

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.
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