Quicksand & Passing: Two novels (Serpent's Tail Classics)

Both novels are extremely strong in their meaning. Quicksand is one of the most interesting stories I have read to this point. It is about Helga Crane who is a mixed race woman. Because of her race she never felt part of the people close to her. When she lives in Harlem she desires to live somewhere where she is not oppressed. But when she lives in Copenhagen, a place where anyone is really fond of her, she desires a life among African-Americans. As well as Quicksand, Passing also covers a very important topic. It delves into the life of Irene who is also a mixed race woman. She could potentially pass as white but she does not want to. An old friend of hers, Clare, who also is half black and half white, on the other hand passes as white. Her black identity is hidden but she starts to feel sort of lost in her role as she hides who she really is. Clare desires a life just like Irene’s. She is obsessed with her. Especially the concept of passing is something I did not think about before. Now I am very glad that I read both books, also because their impact is enormous! This is definitely a must read for every literature fan!