You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
waytoomanybooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A unique and fascinating classic novel. It's easy to get sucked into Irene and Clare's world of secrets. You really feel for the two women, even when they are hard to like or love.
For what it's worth, the movie follows the book to a tee!
For what it's worth, the movie follows the book to a tee!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Grief, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Classism
jhbandcats's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
While there are many qualities that make this a "good book,” I didn't enjoy reading it. I didn't care for either Irene or Clare, the protagonists. I could see why each made the choices she did, but I didn't find them likable characters. Clare was too desperate and driven, determined to have everything, no matter the cost. Irene was too insecure and weak. I couldn't understand how her determination to avoid Clare would vanish like a wisp of smoke the minute Clare appeared.
That said, I can't begin to imagine the terrors life would hold for someone passing. Even today there's so much
racism that I imagine anyone caught passing would be a pariah. A hundred years ago, Clare's life would be ruined. Being married to a virulent bigot must have taken incredible courage.
A fascinating look at New York upper-middle-class Black society in the 1920s.
That said, I can't begin to imagine the terrors life would hold for someone passing. Even today there's so much
racism that I imagine anyone caught passing would be a pariah. A hundred years ago, Clare's life would be ruined. Being married to a virulent bigot must have taken incredible courage.
A fascinating look at New York upper-middle-class Black society in the 1920s.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Classism
froggybooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, and Classism
elenatamsen's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, and Classism
Minor: Abandonment
jessiebertram's review against another edition
reflective
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Classism