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haleyashtonpowell's review
4.0
This book was frustrating, heartbreaking, triumphant, and dazzling at different points.
I'll leave a more thought-out review after my ENG460G class meeting on Tuesday, which I think will help organize my feelings. But what an unknown gem of the Harlem Renaissance this novel is.
I'll leave a more thought-out review after my ENG460G class meeting on Tuesday, which I think will help organize my feelings. But what an unknown gem of the Harlem Renaissance this novel is.
adventureinreading's review
1.0
This book had a lot of interesting themes relevant to race and social issues, but I had such a hard time with it. The main character is so unlikeable and while the social issues she faces are real and important, it was hard to have any sympathy towards her. She was so egocentric and 'woe is me' all the while toying with others' emotions for her own gain.
snwalsh's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nataliereads's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
4.75
lindseywyen's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
3.75
Reminds me of a 1920’s rendition of Sex and the City mixed with a Shakespearean comedy, taking place at the height of the Harlem Renaissance. Laughs in the face of the absurdity of racism. Very fun and interesting read.
greenej's review
4.0
Uneven at times but nonetheless an immensely illuminating novel on race, color, and gender by a major writer of the Harlem Renaissance.
kitnotmarlowe's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
didn't expect to love this as much as i did. illuminating and gorgeous, passing by way of a tree grows in brooklyn
lib_britannia's review
2.0
Small Disclaimer: I read this for a 400 level Harlem Renaissance Literature class.
As far as portrayals of racial struggles and concepts such as passing, dividing lines in society based on race, gender, and religion go this novel is excellent and certainly worthy of study.
For me personally it is a bit of a dud because I don't care much at all for romance and the perpetual focus on marriage and love in this novel is a big yawn for me. I also personally don't care for novels in which a lot of talking occurs with minimal action - I'm all for character development but the constant running inner monologue about the inanities of a fairly boring and uneventful life is, well, just that - boring.
In short, I wanted to like it, but I didn't really and I think there are other, better novels out there if you want to explore the things this novel does well and enjoy the ride while you do it.
As far as portrayals of racial struggles and concepts such as passing, dividing lines in society based on race, gender, and religion go this novel is excellent and certainly worthy of study.
For me personally it is a bit of a dud because I don't care much at all for romance and the perpetual focus on marriage and love in this novel is a big yawn for me. I also personally don't care for novels in which a lot of talking occurs with minimal action - I'm all for character development but the constant running inner monologue about the inanities of a fairly boring and uneventful life is, well, just that - boring.
In short, I wanted to like it, but I didn't really and I think there are other, better novels out there if you want to explore the things this novel does well and enjoy the ride while you do it.