Passing
Nella Larsen’s fascinating exploration of race and identity—the inspiration for the Netflix film directed by Rebecca Hall, starring Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga.
This Signet Classics edition of Passing includes an Introduction by Brit Bennett, the bestselling author of The Vanishing Half.
One of The Atlantic’s Great American Novels of the Past 100 Years
Irene Redfield is a Black woman living an affluent, comfortable life with her husband and children in the thriving neighborhood of Harlem in the 1920s. When she reconnects with her childhood friend Clare Kendry, who is similarly light-skinned, Irene discovers that Clare has been passing for a white woman after severing ties to her past—even hiding the truth from her racist husband.
Clare finds herself drawn to Irene’s sense of ease and security with her Black identity and longs for the community (and, increasingly, the woman) she lost. Irene is both riveted and repulsed by Clare and her dangerous secret, as Clare begins to insert herself—and her deception—into every part of Irene’s stable existence. First published in 1929, Larsen’s brilliant examination of the various ways in which we all seek to “pass,” is as timely as ever.
This Signet Classics edition of Passing includes an Introduction by Brit Bennett, the bestselling author of The Vanishing Half.
One of The Atlantic’s Great American Novels of the Past 100 Years
Irene Redfield is a Black woman living an affluent, comfortable life with her husband and children in the thriving neighborhood of Harlem in the 1920s. When she reconnects with her childhood friend Clare Kendry, who is similarly light-skinned, Irene discovers that Clare has been passing for a white woman after severing ties to her past—even hiding the truth from her racist husband.
Clare finds herself drawn to Irene’s sense of ease and security with her Black identity and longs for the community (and, increasingly, the woman) she lost. Irene is both riveted and repulsed by Clare and her dangerous secret, as Clare begins to insert herself—and her deception—into every part of Irene’s stable existence. First published in 1929, Larsen’s brilliant examination of the various ways in which we all seek to “pass,” is as timely as ever.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
thenextgoodbook.com
What’s it about?
This slim novel was first published in 1929. Two old friends, Irene and Clare, run into each other unexpectedly at an all-white hotel in Chicago. It has been twenty years since they last saw each other. Irene has since married a doctor and lives a privileged life in Harlem as a black woman- she only passes on occasion when she feels it is necessary. As it turns out, Clare has been passing as a white woman since they last met, in fact she is married to a very racist white man that has no idea of her past. With conflicting feelings, Irene slowly lets Clare back into her life in Harlem.
What did it make me think about?
Were people always this formal and polite?
Should I read it?
This was a quick and interesting read. The pacing and the plot were notable, but I was struck by the formality of the writing. Even the character’s internal thoughts seem formal and stilted. For me, it was a little hard to get too emotionally involved as the language keeps you at a distance. Even when Irene talks about feeling depressed and not being in the Christmas spirit you are kept at a polite distance. “Though, she admitted, reluctantly, she herself didn’t feel the proper Christmas spirit this year either. But that couldn’t be helped, it seemed, any more than the weather. She was weary and depressed. And for all her trying, she couldn’t be free of that dull, indefinite misery which with increasing tenaciousness had laid ahold of her.”
So, this is a novel that I am reading with a group. There is a lot to appreciate about this book and I am glad I read it. Harlem in the 1920’s was an interesting place. Irene and Clare are at two opposite ends of the spectrum in how they chose to live their lives- and this should make for an interesting discussion. I have no doubt I will come away with more of an appreciation for this story once we discuss it. Lots to be unraveled about race, identity, and the choices we make.
Quote-
“But she shrank away from telling that man, Clare Kendry’s white husband, anything that would lead him to suspect that his wife was a Negro. Nor could she write it, telephone it, or tell it to someone else who would tell him.
She was caught between two allegiances, different, yet the same. Herself. Her race. Race! The thing that bound and suffocated her.”
What’s it about?
This slim novel was first published in 1929. Two old friends, Irene and Clare, run into each other unexpectedly at an all-white hotel in Chicago. It has been twenty years since they last saw each other. Irene has since married a doctor and lives a privileged life in Harlem as a black woman- she only passes on occasion when she feels it is necessary. As it turns out, Clare has been passing as a white woman since they last met, in fact she is married to a very racist white man that has no idea of her past. With conflicting feelings, Irene slowly lets Clare back into her life in Harlem.
What did it make me think about?
Were people always this formal and polite?
Should I read it?
This was a quick and interesting read. The pacing and the plot were notable, but I was struck by the formality of the writing. Even the character’s internal thoughts seem formal and stilted. For me, it was a little hard to get too emotionally involved as the language keeps you at a distance. Even when Irene talks about feeling depressed and not being in the Christmas spirit you are kept at a polite distance. “Though, she admitted, reluctantly, she herself didn’t feel the proper Christmas spirit this year either. But that couldn’t be helped, it seemed, any more than the weather. She was weary and depressed. And for all her trying, she couldn’t be free of that dull, indefinite misery which with increasing tenaciousness had laid ahold of her.”
So, this is a novel that I am reading with a group. There is a lot to appreciate about this book and I am glad I read it. Harlem in the 1920’s was an interesting place. Irene and Clare are at two opposite ends of the spectrum in how they chose to live their lives- and this should make for an interesting discussion. I have no doubt I will come away with more of an appreciation for this story once we discuss it. Lots to be unraveled about race, identity, and the choices we make.
Quote-
“But she shrank away from telling that man, Clare Kendry’s white husband, anything that would lead him to suspect that his wife was a Negro. Nor could she write it, telephone it, or tell it to someone else who would tell him.
She was caught between two allegiances, different, yet the same. Herself. Her race. Race! The thing that bound and suffocated her.”
I wasn't expecting to like this story as much as I did. It was required reading for school, and it made me think.
The story is told from one character's point of view. Was she a reliable narrator? Is this the story the way it really happened, or just the way it happened in her mind? Did the story really end that way? Where are the answers?
Definitely worth reading!
The story is told from one character's point of view. Was she a reliable narrator? Is this the story the way it really happened, or just the way it happened in her mind? Did the story really end that way? Where are the answers?
Definitely worth reading!
This classic should be required reading in school. So well-written and intriguing. Not sure how I feel about that ending, but it was surprising!
I love the complexity of the characters in this book, the way it makes you think about self interest vs loyalty, judgement and insecurity, and the unique situation of passing at this point in history. Quick read, excellent writing. I enjoyed it.
I came across Passing by Nella Larsen while reading Harlem Rhapsody and wanted to read it immediately. It's a short book, about 200 pages, but it resonates deeply. One of the main characters, Irene, embodies a mix of control, manipulation, insecurity, and unhappiness, creating a complex and relatable portrait. This story encourages us to reflect on our own sense of "moral superiority" when we find ourselves judging others. It subtly invites us to engage in conversations about what we consider right and wrong, helping us to unearth the truth behind the values we often hold tightly. Reading this book is not just an opportunity to explore its themes but also a chance to better understand ourselves and the perspectives of others.
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.