Passing by Nella Larsen

4/5 Stars

Passing by Nella Larsen is a reread for me. I first read it nearly 25 years ago while I was in high school at the recommendation of my dear grandmother. She often recommended books for me that were well written and thought-provoking. Passing is no exception.

Set in the roaring 1920s, Passing is the story of Irene “Rene” Redfied, a light-skinned black woman living comfortably with her family in Harlem who has a chance encounter with her childhood friend, Clare Kendry. Clare is also light-skinned and confides in Irene that she has been passing for a white woman. Married to an extremely racist white man, Clare has gone to great lengths to keep her secret even from him. She lives a life where she would no longer be accepted if those around her learned the truth, but she longs for community and identity and feels drawn back to her childhood friend.

The dynamic of the relationship between Irene and Clare is complicated. Irene at times is fascinated with Clare’s choice and at other times absolutely disgusted. Clare on the other hand is drawn, almost desperately so, to the life Irene lives and to her own roots that she has suppressed and held secret for so long. Their relationship and interactions are complex, deep, interesting and thought-provoking.

This book is a well-written, short read. It has a twist of an ending that leaves some room for imagination. This is absolutely a worthwhile read.