Scan barcode
A review by alealejandre
Passing by Nella Larsen
3.0
they should’ve been lesbian lovers. i surely thought they were going to be, but they weren’t. two women so incredibly different, and for as much as irene judged clare’s choices, she doesn’t mind when people perceive her the same way as they do clare if its for a short moment. a proximity to privilege will drive you crazy, focusing so many on things that have nothing to do with the real enemy in the room. even hugh, who irene seemed to be so fond of, was so clearly a white supremacist it genuinely astounded me that irene’s character didnt read in between the lines of his comments. i think at times, it feels easier to ignore the red flags of the white people around us that we so dearly want to be better than they are in actuality. this is a clear portrait of that.
it was enjoyable to read irene’s ever evolving feelings about clare, and through a queer lens, this would’ve ended differently, or very much the same but with different motives. it certainly captivated my attention for the entirety of the time it took me to read it, as short and sweet surely did not disappoint. it certainly makes a point about showcasing colorism, and how even if you are proud of your cultural heritage, it is impossible to escape the constant pressure from the ever-looming majority.
it was enjoyable to read irene’s ever evolving feelings about clare, and through a queer lens, this would’ve ended differently, or very much the same but with different motives. it certainly captivated my attention for the entirety of the time it took me to read it, as short and sweet surely did not disappoint. it certainly makes a point about showcasing colorism, and how even if you are proud of your cultural heritage, it is impossible to escape the constant pressure from the ever-looming majority.