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A review by linesiunderline
Passing by Nella Larsen
challenging
dark
tense
medium-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
4.5
This is one of those classics that I have wanted to read for a long time and there is such a sense of satisfaction in finally having done it.
You finish Passing with the awareness that Nella Larsen didn’t waste a single word. This book is a study in how to create tension and impact with nothing added. It’s impressive. The novel has a theatrical quality. It’s easy to imagine it translating to the stage or screen. And you can definitely appreciate how many contemporary thriller writers owe inspiration to Larsen. She succeeds where plenty of them only try, in my opinion.
Read Passing for a deep dive into the psychology of two women who choose paths that are at once, very different, but at the same time, possess parallel qualities. It will make you think about identity, belonging, and the complexities of female friendship.
Oh, and the ending. That’s an ending that is made for discussion and interpretation. For me, it was too abrupt to be completely successful, though I did admire the boldness of it.
An unmissable classic.
You finish Passing with the awareness that Nella Larsen didn’t waste a single word. This book is a study in how to create tension and impact with nothing added. It’s impressive. The novel has a theatrical quality. It’s easy to imagine it translating to the stage or screen. And you can definitely appreciate how many contemporary thriller writers owe inspiration to Larsen. She succeeds where plenty of them only try, in my opinion.
Read Passing for a deep dive into the psychology of two women who choose paths that are at once, very different, but at the same time, possess parallel qualities. It will make you think about identity, belonging, and the complexities of female friendship.
Oh, and the ending. That’s an ending that is made for discussion and interpretation. For me, it was too abrupt to be completely successful, though I did admire the boldness of it.
An unmissable classic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, and Toxic relationship