Reviews

Due donne by Nella Larsen

alicervila's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative 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

3.0

nancd's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense 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

4.5

Author explored a litany of emotions and consequences through her characterization.  

charlietilstra's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I always forget the ending. But it's pretty good. 
I like the narration style and the period descriptions. It's a well told story overall.

carsonelainee's review against another edition

4.0

Recently I have read multiple books that cite Passing as inspiration, or source material, or the authors have used it for their elevator pitch. (The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet and Did You Hear About Kitty Karr by Crystal Smith Paul). I really loved the concept for both of those books so I thought it was time for me to read the original passing book.

I ended up really loving this book. I think it is an extremely accessible classic that is very easy to read. A lot of the themes and conflicts are still applicable today. It has aged very well.

If you had asked me to predict how I thought it was going to end... I would not have been able to guess that ending in a million years though... One comment that I saw while reading reviews after I finished reading that has stuck with me was one reviewer pointing out the similarities between the endings of The Great Gatsby and Passing. I thought it was a very cool comparison. The two books were published within five years of each other. Maybe that was a popular ending, I don't know lol. Just thought it was a very cool observation.

Anyways really glad that I finally read this. Very good.

menastarr's review against another edition

reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racial slurs

Moderate: Racism

Minor: Death

theclassickid's review against another edition

challenging emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

maxthefish's review against another edition

challenging dark 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

4.0

Excellent read and was very helpful in helping me understand the struggles of the Black community at the time the book was written. My only complaint is that I feel like the story wasn't wrapped up as well as it could've been. I think a part 2 would do it well but as the author's deceased I don't think that's happening. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism

Moderate: Death

paochavezgt's review against another edition

dark reflective 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? It's complicated

4.0

sophiemoconnell's review against another edition

inspiring relaxing fast-paced

4.5

rjsthumbelina's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5