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kayladaila's review
dark
informative
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death and Murder
Minor: Alcohol, Antisemitism, Gaslighting, Pregnancy, and Religious bigotry
laurenleigh's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
4.5
I love me some jazz age tales of debauchery and excess, but this important work brings light to another side of 1920’s American culture. Black Americans faced innumerable injustices, and Larsen’s story here zooms in close to analyze two lives in particular, Irene and Claire. Both are Black, both are light enough to “pass” as white, but only one is actively doing so on a regular basis. The dynamic between these two was complex and multilayered, even in such a short piece. The part that struck me most was Irene’s inner turmoil about her double consciousness. If she has to pick one, where do her loyalties lie? To herself and her family? Or to her race? What if what you want or need is at odds with what is best for your community? I highly recommend checking this book out if you liked Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half. I couldn’t help but compare the two, and I’m sure this work influenced Bennett. Robin Miles was, as usual, a perfect narrator. Whenever someone asks me for narrator recommendations, she’s always on my list!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Minor: Death, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
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