65 pages • 2 hours read
Passing
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Book Brief
122
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1920s
1929
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Passing by Nella Larsen follows Irene Redfield, a light-skinned African-American woman who occasionally passes as white, and her friend Clare Kendry, who fully embraces passing to marry a racist white man. Clare's desire to reconnect with her African-American roots disrupts Irene's life, culminating in dramatic and tragic consequences. The novel is a profound exploration of racial identity, societal norms, and personal conflicts.
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Emotional
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
70,050 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Passing by Nella Larsen is widely celebrated for its compelling exploration of racial identity and societal norms in the 1920s. Critics praise its nuanced characters and eloquent prose, but some find the plot slightly underdeveloped. Overall, it remains a poignant and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate.
Who Should Read Passing?
A reader who would enjoy Passing by Nella Larsen is likely intrigued by themes of racial identity, societal norms, and complex female friendships. Fans of The Great Gatsby and The Color Purple will appreciate the novel's exploration of identity and its nuanced portrayal of personal conflict within broader social contexts.
70,050 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
122
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1920s
1929
Adult
18+ years
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