A review by laurareads87
Passing by Nella Larsen

challenging dark emotional funny reflective 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

5.0

Set in the 1920s, Passing is a Harlem Renaissance novel following two women, one of whom is passing as white in her everyday life having married a racist white man who doesn't know the full details of her ancestry.  The novel is a short but powerful examination of the complexities of identity, community, gender, and race.  I am grateful my book club chose it, as there is much to discuss -- the novel is ambiguous in many respects, complex, and nuanced.  I appreciated Brit Bennett's introduction, but suggest that any reader unfamiliar with the plot and seeking to avoid spoilers leave reading it until after they've finished the novel.  
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