Novels

Passing

3.8(47)
Hardcover€14.00Paperback€9.00E-Book
Language
English
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About the book

As dramatized on Radio 4 and seen on Netflix, Nella Larsen's Passing is a distinctive and revealing novel about racial identity, and a key text of the Harlem Renaissance.

Part of the Macmillan Collector's Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful hardbacks make perfect gifts for book lovers, or wonderful additions to your own collection. This edition of Passing features an introduction by writer and academic, Christa Holm Vogelius.

Irene Redfield, married to a successful physician, enjoys a comfortable life in 1920s Harlem, New York. Reluctantly, she renews her friendship with old school friend, Clare Kendry. Clare, who like Irene is light skinned, 'passes' as white and is married to a racist white man who has no idea about Clare's racial heritage. Clare is very persuasive and Irene, despite misgivings, can't resist letting her back into her world. As tensions mount between friends and between couples, this taut and mesmerizing narrative spins towards an unexpected end.

Editions (43)

ISBN9781529040289
PublisherPan Macmillan
Publication Date06/25/20
Pages160

Reviews & Ratings

47 ratings

6 reviews

3.8

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  • jersy104
    jersy104

    13 Followers

    5.0

    This is not only a book about passing as white and all its implications, it's also about forcing yourself into someones life. I think the biggest theme is dishonesty, in various different ways. For such a short book it is full of moments that hit hard, that show someones secret feelings as well as how they think they need to behave. Clare and Irene are fascinating characters, both flawed in very different ways, with one of the books greatest strengths being how well it lets you into Irenes head.

    Sep 4, 2022

  • stines_lesereise
    stines_lesereise

    18 Followers

    5.0

    Inhaltlich und sprachlich immer noch aktuell. Es ist fast wie bei einem drohenden Unglück, man möchte es nicht sehen und kann doch den Blick nicht abwenden.

    Jun 7, 2023

  • briaraq
    briaraq

    3 Followers

    4.0

    There’s so much negativity towards white passing people and how they used their light skin to ensure they’re safety, but it has to be jealously and colorism that influences that. They could not choose if they were white passing, and they chose to use that privilege to make sure they wouldn’t be hurt. Yes, it sucks that not everybody has that same privilege, but I’m all for people doing what they need to do to live. Also, the way that fetishization was described was absolutely perfect.

    Jan 10, 2024

3 of 6 reviews

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