I don't recommend this narrated version by Tessa Thompson.

Although it's free with an audible account, she was overly focused on her voice modulation and not enough on the words of the story.

As a result, I had to rewind often.

I suggest choosing one of the other narrators for credit.

That being said, this story is efficient and dark, precisely the way I like them.

It contains an abundance of individual humanity within the context of our social structures, such that the two become indistinguishable.

It's much like the complex relationship between the two strong women who star here.

I have a plan to read the physical book and watch the current adaptation on Netflix.

I have a hunch that this is a 5-star story, and that Ms. Thompson is a better actress than she is a narrator.

Maybe when she acts out the story in the movie, she'll be able to bring out its true essence more effectively than she did in the audio narration.

I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.

Another book that has been sitting on my shelf for years is now in my hands.

I decided to read it at this moment for two reasons. Firstly, I was in need of a short and fast-paced novel to quickly engage my mind. Secondly, I have a keen interest in watching the Netflix production based on this book.

As I delved into the story, I was completely captivated. The plot was so engaging and full of twists and turns that I could hardly put the book down.

And when I reached the ending, I was truly astounded. It was an ending that I never could have predicted, a truly unexpected conclusion that left me in awe.

Overall, I am so glad that I finally picked up this book and gave it a chance. It has reminded me of the power of a great story to transport us to another world and leave a lasting impression.

I can't wait to see how the Netflix production brings this amazing story to life on the screen.

I must admit that I bought this novel because it was the first translated work of its translator. So my goal of translation was more than the content of the novel. However, once I started reading the novel, I was drawn into its story, which led me to an atmosphere and human emotions that we don't often encounter in a work that talks about the issue of race. And perhaps this passionate rhythm towards the events of the novel is a sign of good translation.

The novel is classic in its dialogues and descriptions. But the theme that revolves around the concept of crossing is what gives the novel its importance. And this concept, which talks about a human condition that will exist as long as humans exist, is what will make this novel immortal and what made this novel be translated into Arabic.

A beautiful novel and a successful translation.

The 21st book of 2024 is truly a remarkable find. It is a brilliant novella by Larsen. Somehow, she has managed to craft this tiny masterpiece with just a few exquisitely balanced scenes.

As you read this book, you have the distinct feeling of being in the hands of a master. This is truly astounding considering that this is only her second novel and the very last thing she ever wrote. I came across the information that she worked for a considerable amount of time on a third novel, but unfortunately, nothing ever came of it.

One of the scenes, which serves as the sort of centrepiece of the novel, is an absolute work of genius. In this construction, a white man, completely unawares, discusses and jokes about how much he hates black people in a room filled with three "passing" women. And to add to the drama, one of those women is his own wife. The palpable sense of dramatic irony is truly captivating. It is such a shame that this wonderful little book was probably overshadowed for such a long time. It is, without a doubt, a fantastic literary gem.

I read this for university and I truly, deeply liked it.

It's wonderful when school texts engage you so thoroughly that it feels as if you're not doing schoolwork at all. This particular text was incredibly thought-provoking and a breeze to read compared to some other modernist works. The fact that Larsen could cover so much ground in such a concise book was truly remarkable. I thoroughly enjoyed the themes she chose to explore and following the characters as they grappled with their identities and circumstances.

Although at times the subject matter was difficult to read, it was also extremely captivating and thought-provoking. Part two was definitely my favorite, but parts one and three were also excellent.

Written during the Harlem Renaissance, Passing follows Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry, childhood friends who have a chance encounter as adults in a Chicago tea shop. Despite growing up together, these two black women are now leading completely different lives. Irene lives with her dark-skinned husband and two sons in Harlem, immersed in the Harlem cultural scene. Clare, on the other hand, has been passing as white for 12 years, has become estranged from black culture, and now lives with her white supremacist husband and their daughter. This chance meeting forces the two women to审视 their lives and consider how they might have lived if they had made different choices.

This was a truly fascinating introspection of life in Harlem, New York during the 1920s and the issues - whether related to race, gender, or sexuality - that were confronting the community. I was also drawn to the queer subtext. The ending, though abrupt, left me with a lot to think about, which I actually quite liked. This was such a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed it and it left me with many interesting thoughts. I'm really glad it was assigned!

Nella Larsen is truly a great writer, contrary to what I initially thought twice. She masters the art of storytelling with precision. Her stories are meticulously constructed, gradually building up to a powerful climax. Each element is carefully placed, serving a specific purpose. For example, in "Passing," the six-floor walkup scene is not just a random detail. The characters' complaints and racial comments about it are strategic, positioning the reader and setting the stage for a future event. It's an extremely effective technique that seems effortless.

However, Larsen doesn't focus as much on the beauty of individual sentences. Some of her writing can come across as a bit clunky, like the example: "This, she reflected, was of a piece with all that she knew of Clare Kendry. Stepping always on the edge of danger. Always aware, but not drawing back or turning aside." While it gets the point across about Clare's character, it's not the most elegant prose.

This reminds me of what Steinbeck said about his lack of interest in the printed word and punctuation. He was more concerned with the content and memory. Similarly, Larsen's strength lies in the depth and impact of her stories, rather than the polish of her sentences.

In conclusion, don't be misled by the simplicity of her prose. Nella Larsen has a wealth of powerful ideas and emotions to share, and her stories are well worth the read.

I had never truly contemplated the idea of “passing” – that is, literally passing as the majority race or culture within one's community. This is mainly because my own story is not one of being biracial. Instead, it is a tale of immigration and acculturation. Nevertheless, it is a common phenomenon for most people to assume that I was born and raised in a predominantly Western culture. I don't have a distinct accent (well… perhaps I do, and I guess it's Canadian), I am well-versed in the ins and outs of my city, and I am a regular at the stores in my community, among other things. So, in a sense, I have been passing, at least on an implicit level. In 2022, I don't really engage in many activities that are abundantly Persian – aside from indulging in Persian cuisine and reading Persian literature (often not even in the original language, as it takes me significantly longer). But at the very least, the story of Irene and Clare in this book has provided me with some food for thought regarding how I embody my cultural identities and when I express each one.

The story itself is decent. Larsen creates an evocative image, with a particularly poignant scene where Irene, Clare, and another friend (all of African American ancestry and capable of “passing” as white) are sitting around, conversing with Clare's husband, who has no inkling that Clare is black. She has never disclosed this fact because she has found life easier as someone who passes as white. Irene experiences a mix of shock, disgust, and sympathy. The tension is palpable as Clare's husband rambles on, racially abusing her, spouting vile ideas, and generally being an all-around jerk. Then the book takes a thematic shift, which I won't delve into in great detail here to avoid spoilers. I will say, however, that I was confused. It's not that it wasn't warranted – I'm sure I overlooked some undertones as I read the remaining pages – but it seemed to come out of nowhere. I felt that the book failed to do justice to a proper exploration of biracial identities.

Ultimately, it was fairly enjoyable. I'm not certain if I will revisit it anytime soon, but I will hold onto my copy.

PASSING gets an above-passing grade.

It was on my TBR (To Be Read) list for an incredibly long time. In fact, I'm not entirely sure why I initially had the desire to read it. Maybe it was the title that caught my attention, or perhaps it was a recommendation from someone.

However, I'm extremely glad that I finally got through it. The story had its own unique charm and managed to keep me engaged from start to finish.

Yeah, I'm truly glad that I read it. It was a worthwhile experience that added something valuable to my reading journey. I would definitely recommend it to others who are looking for a good read.

Overall, PASSING is a book that exceeded my expectations and left a lasting impression on me.

Wow, this novella is truly remarkable. It manages to pack an incredible amount of depth and complexity into just 120 pages. I found myself completely engrossed and read it in one sitting.

First published in 1929, it delves into a wide range of profound themes such as race and racism, class, kinship, friendship, belonging, family, and betrayal. There were several moments throughout the story that made me gasp in surprise or shock. The author's ability to create such intense emotions within the reader is truly a testament to their skill.

The ending, in particular, is almost heartstopping. It leaves you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next. It's a powerful read that will stay with you long after you've finished the last page. I highly recommend this novella to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

A very readable classic, this book delves deep into the complex realm of race relationships. The narrator, with much more depth and dark edges than one might initially expect, lures the reader in with seemingly simple language. However, the outcome, though sudden, is anything but simple. It's a web of emotions and social intricacies.

Clare and Irene, who share the same background, have chosen different paths. Clare has decided to pass as white, motivated by her desire for money (Money is awfully nice to have). Meanwhile, Irene has married a black doctor in Manhattan and enjoys an upper middle-class lifestyle with a maid and all the trappings. Their meetings, described by Nella Larsen in unadorned prose, are filled with keen observations of social differences and some extremely awkward scenes involving Clare's racist husband.

Irene's relationship with her doctor husband is equally fascinating and forms the crux around which the last part of the book resolves. Here, Irene and her motives for telling her story (As we said before, everything needs to be paid for, please be reasonable ) take on a new light. The subsequent confrontation is thought-provoking, making this an interesting piece of fiction that earns a solid 3.5 stars.

A quick yet thought-provoking read that delves deep into the themes of identity and belonging. We are introduced to two women from Chicago's south side who were childhood acquaintances. Now, during the Harlem Renaissance in NYC, their lives have taken different paths. Clare, who is passing as white, is married to a white racist. On the other hand, Irene is a social matron in Harlem's affluent black society. She has never had negative feelings about being black in America, despite her husband, Brian, longing to flee and move the family abroad to escape the toxicity.

Irene, somewhat reluctantly, introduces Clare into her circle of friends. While Brian is aware of Clare's situation, their social group is mostly ignorant of the fact that Clare is married and passing. Clare's decision to pass years ago was made easily due to family circumstances, but since then, she has found herself missing the culture and people of her youth. The ambiguity of her sincerity, the distrust Irene feels towards Clare, and yet her unwavering determination to keep Clare's secret all combine to make the reader reflect on the choice of identity and whether anyone can truly know another person or even oneself.

Larsen's writing is beautifully crafted, with a subtle and masterful prose. I had never read her before and was not even familiar with her name (she passed away in the 1960s). I understand that there is currently a resurgence of interest in her work, and after reading this, it's not hard to see why.

Passing for straight.

Passing for married.

Mostly, passing for happy.

And passing for white. Whatever white is.

In a society that often places certain expectations and norms, many individuals find themselves "passing" for various identities. Passing for straight means conforming to the heterosexual stereotype, hiding one's true sexual orientation. Passing for married implies presenting oneself as part of a traditional married couple, perhaps to fit in or avoid judgment. Mostly, passing for happy is a common phenomenon. People may feel pressured to project an image of constant happiness, even when they are struggling internally.

And then there is the complex concept of passing for white. The definition of "white" is not fixed and can vary depending on cultural, historical, and social contexts. Some individuals may try to pass for white in order to gain certain privileges or to distance themselves from their non-white heritage. However, this act of passing can also come with a sense of loss and internal conflict.

These acts of passing highlight the power of social norms and the ways in which individuals may feel compelled to conform in order to survive and thrive in society.