One of my goals in 2021 is to read more. See other books I've read or listened to here.
Passing by Nella Larsen is enjoying a renewed interest as there have been a few other books about colorism lately. I picked this one up from an used online bookshop bc I was dying to read it.
Irene and Clare grew up together in a small town but as teenagers, their lives took a very different turn. Now, so many years later, they have reunited, but has anything really changed?
I have been really excited to learn about and read more from the Harlem Renaissance movement of the 19teens and twenties. I read this for the 1900 - 1950 Readathon and you can see more thoughts about it in this video. I had been hearing about Passing for months and it sounded like something I would like. Short, modern classic, set in NYC. Other than that and theme of passing as white, I really had no idea what to expect. I loved this book and it is in contention to be one of my most favorite of the year. Although I don’t usually vibe with books about female friendship, I found the complex feeling and emotions of the relationship between these woman really fascinating. There is a lot about the theme of doing what is right and what is best and what that means to different people and at different times. Told in 3 parts, this book’s writing style reflects the various parts atmosphere, culminating in a unexpected ending. This book deals with intense racism and has very triggering language and events. Although it is hard to read in some parts, I loved this book and can see myself reading this one fairly regularly. I would highly recommend this book to those interested in this time period of art and writing and growth, those who like books set in NYC, stories about female friendship or animosity, and readers interested in themes of colorism and racism.
Have you read this book or any of Nella Larsen’s other works?
This book can be seen in my May Wrap Up.