Passing

by Nella Larsen
Passing cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Literary Fiction
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 11545
  • Added: 2026-03-10
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9781101191156
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2003-02-04
  • Reviews: 3

Nella Larsen's 'Passing' delves into the life of Clare Kendry, a light-skinned African American woman who has chosen to live as a white woman, married to a racist white man. Her childhood friend, Irene Redfield, who has chosen to remain within the African American community, is both fascinated and repelled by Clare's dangerous decision. As their paths cross again in Harlem, Clare's longing for the black identity she abandoned becomes a tragic and telling exploration of racial identity and societal expectations. /n/n This edition of 'Passing' includes a new introduction by Emily Bernard and notes by Thadious M. Davis, providing additional context and insight into Larsen's groundbreaking work. The novel is part of the Penguin Classics series, known for its authoritative texts and scholarly annotations.

Reviews
N S Ford Writer · N S Ford · 2022-11-24
mixed 2.50

The ideas in the book are effective, but the sentences are convoluted and repetitive, and the dialogue sometimes feels unrealistic. Despite these flaws, the book's exploration of race is thought-provoking.

The reviewer acknowledges the strength of the book's central ideas, particularly its exploration of race and identity. However, they find the writing style to be a bit of a hurdle. The sentences are often convoluted and repetitive, which can make the reading experience a bit challenging. Additionally, some of the dialogue feels unrealistic, which can take the reader out of the story. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer appreciates the book's thought-provoking themes and its enduring relevance.

Quick quotes

    While the ideas in this book are effective, I thought that the sentences were convoluted and repetitive

    The dialogue was sometimes unrealistic

    The book's exploration of race is thought-provoking

Books on the 747 · 2022-01-22
excellent 4.50

The novella is taut, engaging, and well-written, with characters that thrive under tension, leading to a dramatic and unexpected ending. It's a compelling read that keeps the reader hooked until the very end.

This novella is a masterclass in tension and character development. The author of this review praises the way Larsen builds suspense throughout the story, making it a gripping read. The characters are well-crafted and their interactions are filled with underlying tension, which culminates in a dramatic and unexpected ending. They also appreciate the novella's concise yet powerful narrative, which makes it a standout piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    It's a taught, engaging, really well-written novella with interesting characters that thrums with tension

    Gives us a dramatic and unexpected ending

    A compelling read that keeps the reader hooked until the very end

Aminas Bookshelf · 2021-07-26
excellent 4.50

This classic novel, published in 1929, is surprisingly contemporary in its commentary on race. It's a powerful exploration of identity and societal expectations.

The reviewer is impressed by the novel's timeless relevance. Despite being published nearly a century ago, its commentary on race and identity feels strikingly contemporary. They praise Larsen's ability to explore complex themes with subtlety and depth. The reviewer also appreciates the novel's powerful exploration of societal expectations and the pressures they place on individuals. They conclude that this is a must-read for anyone interested in the ongoing conversation about race and identity.

Quick quotes

    It's ridiculously contemporary as it comments on the meaning of race

    A powerful exploration of identity and societal expectations

    A must-read for anyone interested in the ongoing conversation about race and identity

Appears in Lists