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marap's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
birdinflight1's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very good story.
I was intrigued by the tension between Belle's mom, a realist, who encouraged her kids to "pass" and her dad, an idealist, who was fighting for equality for all people, and wanted them to be proud of their heritage. It would've been very hard in the moment to know which is the better choice. It was sad how much they had to give up to pass, and also how dangerous it was to live as part of the colored community. Such a stressful conundrum for any parent or family to navigate. Parenting is stressful enough, and to have to decide as a mother which path to pursue--that would be a lot. I didn't know much about the ideas, danger, and stress associated with "passing," and I appreciate that this book brought this topic to my attention.
This book also encouraged me to think about why someone who is half black and half white is considered black. I mean, mathematically, it really is 50-50. Couldn't they just as easily be considered white? It's strange what white supremacy does to people's brains and world views.
And the whole irony that rape by the owners of enslaved people led to their offspring's subsequent ability to pass...
I was intrigued by the tension between Belle's mom, a realist, who encouraged her kids to "pass" and her dad, an idealist, who was fighting for equality for all people, and wanted them to be proud of their heritage. It would've been very hard in the moment to know which is the better choice. It was sad how much they had to give up to pass, and also how dangerous it was to live as part of the colored community. Such a stressful conundrum for any parent or family to navigate. Parenting is stressful enough, and to have to decide as a mother which path to pursue--that would be a lot. I didn't know much about the ideas, danger, and stress associated with "passing," and I appreciate that this book brought this topic to my attention.
This book also encouraged me to think about why someone who is half black and half white is considered black. I mean, mathematically, it really is 50-50. Couldn't they just as easily be considered white? It's strange what white supremacy does to people's brains and world views.
And the whole irony that rape by the owners of enslaved people led to their offspring's subsequent ability to pass...
emmelly's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
onethatsavesme's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
nabillatte's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An incredible, if slightly fictionalized, story. Was worried at times that it might go in a "white savior" direction, but ultimately appreciated the nuance with which it approached the complicated act of passing. I also appreciated the historical notes at the end to clarify which parts were fact and where things were embellished or altered for the story.
with_discipline's review against another edition
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? No
2.75
mallory_r's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
3.75
Idk how I feel about this one. I didn't know it was a real person's story until I finished it and that made me like it better I guess
tgough's review against another edition
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The main character frustrated me. Her story was too predictable. I did not realize until the ending that it was based off a true story which improved my opinion somewhat of the story.
luciuh's review against another edition
3.0
decided to read this after visiting the morgan library and learning about greene for the first time. while the writing isn’t particularly amazing, the historical context of the narrative made it very interesting to read! especially while in nyc.
sevseverance's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this novel; though it made me want to learn more!