I worked through this from the wrong direction, and perverted Larsen's progression.

Passing is incredible. Quicksand is considerably worse - but, chapter by chapter, the novel is a record of its author's advancement, accelerating always.

Larsen untangles her sentences, and clarifies the restless discontent which haunts Helga, and whispers Brazil into Brian's brain.

The person I aspire to be is always out of reach, living another life somewhere else.

Is it better to give chase, uprooting yourself and abandoning the world you know, or give up?

Either way, the snail catches up.

This idea of constantly striving for an ideal self that seems just out of reach is both tantalizing and frustrating.

It makes one question the value of chasing after something that may never truly be attained.

Yet, giving up also doesn't seem like a viable option, as it means accepting a life that may not be fully satisfying.

The snail, in its slow and steady way, serves as a reminder that time waits for no one, and eventually, we all have to face the consequences of our choices.

Whether we choose to pursue our dreams or settle for what we have, the journey of life continues, and we must find a way to make the most of it.

Listened only to Passing, but it's not listed here separately.

It was truly an interesting experience. The story was not only surprising but also very thought-provoking. The writing was excellent, which made it a pleasure to listen to. I found myself completely engaged from start to finish.

What was particularly interesting was that it was written close to 100 years ago, yet it seemed to contain modern ideas. It was almost as if the author had a prescient understanding of the issues that are still relevant today. SPOILER: I have to admit that I didn't care for the ending. However, upon reflection, I can't think of a better one. It was a difficult balance to strike, and perhaps the author made the best choice given the circumstances.

I listened to the audio on Audio Overdrive at 1.25 speed, which was a great way to get through the story quickly while still being able to fully appreciate the nuances of the writing. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read. I also hope to read the other two titles in the series as well.

When light-skinned Irene Redfield has a chance encounter with her childhood friend, Clare, in Chicago, she makes a startling discovery. Her old friend has been passing for white and is married to a racist. Irene is initially shocked by this revelation.

However, when she returns home to Harlem and her prominent physician husband, she tries to put the incident out of her mind. But fate has other plans. Clare soon shows up in New York, and Irene finds herself drawn into Clare's web of deception. As time passes, Irene becomes increasingly entangled in Clare's lies.

The situation escalates, and before long, all of Clare's falsehoods come crashing down with a tragic end. Irene is left to deal with the aftermath and the consequences of Clare's actions. The story explores themes of identity, race, and the lengths people will go to in order to fit in or escape their past.

I picked up The Complete Fiction of Nella Larsen specifically for the story Passing, but I was completely blown away by not only the short stories but also Quicksand.

I highly recommend this collection to anyone who is interested in exploring her work.

Quicksand, in particular, had an incredibly powerful impact on me and left me feeling heartbroken. It was by far my favorite piece in this entire collection.

Larsen's writing is truly remarkable. It is layered, with each sentence and paragraph adding depth and meaning. Her use of language is purposeful, carefully chosen to convey the complex emotions and inner turmoil of her characters.

She was clearly a master of the interior drama, able to bring to life the hidden thoughts and feelings of her protagonists in a way that is both engaging and deeply moving.

Reading Nella Larsen's work is a truly enriching experience, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I first read this in college more than 20 years ago and my opinion hasn't changed since then. Wow! What a writer! There is so much packed into her rather short works.

Of course, the idea of "passing" is a central theme, but there is also so much more. Female friendship is explored in depth, showing the complex and often nuanced relationships between women. Classism rears its ugly head, highlighting the divisions and prejudices that exist within society. Motherhood is another aspect that is touched upon, delving into the joys and challenges of being a mother. Colorism, white patronage, and voyeurism are also among the many themes that are skillfully woven into her work.

Reading her work is like finding an old piece of jewelry. It's set in a very different time, yet its beauty and value are unmistakable. The words seem to come alive on the page, painting vivid pictures and evoking strong emotions. It's a truly remarkable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves literature.

Intriguing


I really shouldn't be writing this review just yet as I've only managed to read "Passing" so far, which was for a book club discussion. But I feel compelled to share my initial thoughts.

"Passing" was truly captivating. It provided me with a glimpse into the complex effects that passing has on both those who choose to pass and those who don't. It wasn't just about the act of passing itself; it delved into much more. There was jealousy, the longing to escape one's circumstances, the role of mothers, and likely many other themes that I might have missed on this first reading.

I'm eager to continue reading the rest of the book to see how these themes develop and intertwine. I'm sure there are many more layers to uncover and explore. Once I've finished the entire book, I'll be sure to update this review with my more comprehensive thoughts and insights.

Stay tuned!

Passing is a concept that holds different meanings for different people.

For some, passing might mean simply getting by or achieving a minimum standard. It could be about meeting the requirements of a test, a course, or a task.

However, passing can also have a deeper significance. It might signify a sense of accomplishment, a step forward in personal or professional growth.

Passing can give us the confidence to take on new challenges and pursue our goals.

It can open doors to new opportunities and experiences.

On the other hand, passing should not be the sole focus. We should also strive for excellence and continuous improvement.

Just passing might not be enough to truly stand out and make a difference.

We should always aim to do our best and reach for higher levels of achievement.

In conclusion, passing is an important part of our lives, but it should not limit our aspirations.

We should use it as a springboard to greater things and continue to learn and grow.

These were truly fascinating books to peruse, approximately a century after their composition. It is truly astonishing how closely the themes of race and identity in America mirror the conversations that are still very much taking place today.

I believe that the most captivating themes explored in both of the full-length books within this collection were the sense of dissatisfaction among black people living in America and the glorification of other countries as places where racism is not as prevalent.

This really makes me question whether this was a more common mindset in the far less globalized world of 100 years ago or simply a concept that this particular author was intrigued by exploring, given that they spent time abroad as a child.

Perhaps the author's experiences in different countries influenced their perception of race and identity, leading them to contrast the situation in America with that of other nations.

Alternatively, it could be that the themes of dissatisfaction and idealization were more widespread during that era, as black people faced significant discrimination and inequality in America.

Either way, these books offer valuable insights into the complex and ongoing issues of race and identity in America.

Stories seemed unfinished somehow.


All of her tales seem unfinished. It's a strange feeling that lingers after reading or listening to them. Each one leaves me with a sense of incompleteness, as if there is a hidden depth or an additional chapter that has been left untold. It's as if the author has deliberately stopped short, perhaps to pique my curiosity or to make me imagine what might have come next.

These unfinished stories have a certain allure. They make me think and wonder, and they force me to use my own creativity to fill in the gaps. In a way, they are like puzzles that I am eager to solve. I find myself constantly going back to them, trying to piece together the missing parts and make sense of the whole.

Despite their unfinished nature, these stories still manage to have an impact on me. They touch my emotions and make me feel something. Maybe it's the mystery and the unknown that draw me in, or perhaps it's the potential that lies within each unfinished tale. Whatever the reason, I can't help but be intrigued by these stories that seem to be forever incomplete.

This is truly a remarkable book and a prime example of the outstanding writing that emerged during the 1920s Harlem Renaissance. It is rather a sad testament to an award-winning author that “The Complete Fiction of Nella Larsen” manages to fill only a meager 250 pages. This collection includes 3 short stories and 2 short novels. Despite a brilliant debut, Larsen astonishingly never published any additional works, although she did continue to write for a certain period of time.

“Passing” and “Quicksand” are truly unique for the era in which they were written and for the raw and unfiltered reality of the stories they so powerfully share. These works offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and experiences of the characters, shedding light on the social and cultural issues of the time. The concise nature of Larsen's writing adds to its impact, making each word count and leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

It is a pity that Larsen's literary output was so limited, but the works that she did produce are a testament to her talent and the importance of her contribution to the Harlem Renaissance. “The Complete Fiction of Nella Larsen” is a must-read for anyone interested in African American literature and the history of the Harlem Renaissance.

I had read "Passing" before, and it was an interesting piece of work.

However, this was the first time I delved into "Quicksand", and to my surprise, I liked it even better.

The story in "Quicksand" seemed to draw me in more deeply, with its vivid characters and engaging plot.

As I turned the pages, I found myself completely immersed in the world that the author had created.

The writing style was also more captivating, making it a pleasure to read.

I could feel the emotions of the characters as if they were my own, and I was eager to know what would happen next.

"Quicksand" truly left a lasting impression on me, and I would highly recommend it to others.

I look forward to exploring more of the author's works in the future.

The book delves into the distinct lives of two black women. Irene Redfield, who is part of the Harlem elite, is not only accomplished but also enjoys a comfortable financial situation.

On the other hand, Clare is married to a white man who is completely unaware of her black heritage. The fear of how her husband would react has compelled her to keep this secret. Clare desires to meet up with Irene, but Irene does not approve of her secret, yet they both understand the potential consequences if her husband were to find out.

The intricate web of lies and truths within this story has truly captivated me and drawn me to read this book. It presents a thought-provoking exploration of identity, race, and the lengths people will go to in order to protect themselves and their loved ones. The contrast between Irene and Clare's lives adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a truly engaging read.