Scan barcode
justcallmeemily's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I have really mixed feelings about this book. And I can't really explain why. 😕
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Death
Moderate: Infidelity
ankbert's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I didn't get very engaged in the story in the story but I still found it interesting and reflective.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Murder and Death
booksillremember's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Masterful, loved the complex layering of emotions, themes and social identities.
It's a gripping story with sapphic undertones, an unreliable narrator and an ambiguous ending. Would love to read the novel from Clare's point of view.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, and Sexism
Moderate: Death, Murder, and Suicide
Minor: Infidelity and Hate crime
hjb_128's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Death, Racial slurs, and Suicide
Moderate: Infidelity
wytnie's review against another edition
4.5
I liked the book i was mainly interested in it because I'm black and wanted to see how this subject would be addressed in the past. I think the writing was interesting given how old it is but not bad. Thinking about reading "quicksand" that's also by Nella Larsen. Lastly, idk if its just me but sometimes it kind of felt like Clare and Irene liked each other because at times it gave "ex-girlfriends who still love each other" instead of old kinda sorta friends. I will say, personally i am so happy that who died in the end did, i feel like it was the only way for things to get better for literally any of the other characters, I also think its kind of what she wanted in her own way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Infidelity, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Racism, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, and Toxic friendship
gracej66's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I enjoyed how detailed the descriptions of Clare Kendry were. Larsen really went into a lot of detail showing her odd mannerisms, expressions, etc. She also spent a lot of time describing the protagonist Irene Redfield’s conflicted thoughts and struggles. The plot, while relatively simple and short, was engaging and kept me turning pages. The immediate tension created by Clare’s husband not knowing of her Black ancestry got me hooked from the beginning. It was a pleasure to read Larsen’s indirect style of storytelling. She didn’t spell everything out on the page. Rather, she took her time hinting at what was going on and gradually clarified what had happened, such as in the last scene of the book or when Irene has a tragic realization about those around her. This book was intriguing, exciting, and artfully constructed. I hope to read another book by Larsen!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Infidelity, Suicide, Death, and Child abuse
Minor: Misogyny
threeundertwopnw's review against another edition
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was not prepared for the ending. Overall a fascinating slice of history.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting, Infidelity, Racism, Death, Toxic friendship, Racial slurs, and Classism
wilde_read's review against another edition
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A poignant little novella. I plan to re-read it with fewer interruptions and enjoy the writing even more!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Racial slurs
The racial slur shouldn't be taken out of context of the book. Racial bigotry drives the story.nelireads's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Death
Minor: Homophobia and Biphobia
maia313's review
challenging
reflective
medium-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
Read for uni, really interesting to read and study. Love the topic of the Harlem renaissance, the settings of both NYC and Chicago and the character's places in them really come to life. And very interesting reflections on race, class.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Outing