I came across this after watching the disturbing yet superbly crafted and acted movie, Passing. This movie was based on Nella Larsen's piece of the same name. I have also read the other stories, such as the heart-wrenching Quicksand and the ironic Sanctuary.

It has piqued my interest to the extent that I now wish to read a biography of Nella Larsen, provided one has been written.

I would highly recommend this book to others. It offers a unique perspective and showcases Larsen's remarkable talent as a writer. I truly hope to explore more of her work in the future.

Her stories have the power to grip the reader and leave a lasting impression. They delve into complex themes and offer a profound understanding of the human condition.

I look forward to uncovering the mysteries and nuances of Nella Larsen's life and work through a biography, if available.

I was truly inspired to read "Passing" when I came across the comments on another remarkable book, "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett.

The novel delves into the story of the renewed acquaintance of old friends. Here, Clare is now "passing" as white, having a husband who holds a deep-seated contempt for black people and is completely unaware that his wife is not what she seems on the surface.

I had to constantly remind myself that the book was written in 1925, as the words and language used to describe people back then are definitely unacceptable in today's society. However, despite this, the book is truly excellent. It is masterfully plotted, with a story that unfolds in a captivating and engaging manner. It is a book that is very much a must-read for anyone interested in exploring themes of identity, race, and the complex web of relationships that can exist within a society.

“Nothing, nothing. I just feel small, so futile in this crush; sort of trapped, you know. Why do the Arnolds have so many people to their things?” She let out a sigh, looking around at the sea of people.

Quickly regretting her display of irritation, she added: “It’s wonderful, though—the people, the music, the color, and these lovely rooms, like a princess’s ball in a fairy tale.” The soft glow of the chandeliers illuminated the beautiful decor, and the sound of laughter and conversation filled the air.

“Yes, great,” he agreed. “Lots of strangers here, too; most of them distinguished people from town.” He scanned the crowd, taking in the various faces and trying to identify some of the more prominent individuals.

The room was bustling with activity, and it was clear that the Arnolds had spared no expense in throwing this extravagant event. The guests were dressed to the nines, and the atmosphere was one of excitement and celebration.

Despite her initial feelings of insignificance, she couldn't help but be swept up in the magic of the moment. As she listened to the music and watched the dancers twirl across the floor, she felt a sense of wonder and joy.

Perhaps this was what life was all about, she thought to herself. Moments like these, filled with beauty and charm, that made all the stress and worry seem worth it.

With a smile on her face, she turned to him and said, “Let’s go explore some more.” And together, they disappeared into the crowd, ready to discover all the delights that this enchanting evening had to offer.

Nella Larsen was a nurse who worked at Tuskegee Institute before she made the move to New York and embarked on a career as a writer.

During the Harlem Renaissance, she penned award-winning short stories and even won a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed her to work in Europe.

This charming book contains several short stories and one short novel, titled Passing. Her writing is highly emotional and incredibly authentic, giving voice to numerous ideas of the Negro in the US.

She delves into the experiences of the "token black person" and those who "pass" for white. The writing is filled with pain, including feelings of being left out and various fears.

She presents a harsh perspective on Negro life in all circumstances. However, her writing is also beautiful. When she described the "amazing soft malice" of another woman, it was palpable.

Nella Larsen is a wonderful writer, and it's难以置信 that she has almost faded into obscurity. Eventually, she ceased writing and returned to nursing.

This book is not only a beautiful read but also educational, offering valuable insights into the lives and struggles of African Americans during a particular era.

I discovered Nella Larsen when she was mentioned in a random NYT op-Ed.

What a fascinating woman she is! She possessed an impressive writer’s gift that truly sets her apart.

Her published works, which were written nearly a century ago, are timeless. They are raw and tragic, yet beautifully told.

Reading her works is like taking a journey back in time, experiencing the emotions and struggles of the characters as if they were real.

Nella Larsen's writing style is unique, and her ability to bring the stories to life is truly remarkable.

It is a shame that she is not as well-known as some of her contemporaries, but her works deserve to be rediscovered and appreciated by a new generation of readers.

Overall, I am grateful to have discovered Nella Larsen and her wonderful works.

Literary Beauty

I was required to read "Passing" for a class, and we analyzed it from the perspective of women authors in the Victorian era. I found great enjoyment in it then, particularly for its subtleties regarding race and the concept of passing, which is now also relevant in relation to gender and transness. It seemed to me that there was a lesbian lens or politic present in both "Passing" and "Quicksand". "Quicksand" had a slow beginning, but the last few chapters were written exquisitely. Some of the passages truly resonated with me, especially in terms of feeling rejected and being the one doing the rejecting. Moreover, the metaphoric title "Quicksand" - sinking little by little without realizing how your life is slipping away - perfectly explains the abrupt ending. The main reason I'm awarding this collection four stars is because of the slow start of each story, which sometimes failed to engage me immediately. This was evident from the fact that it took me a whopping 4 years to finally complete the entire book. Lmao!

Marking as finished having read the foreword, introduction, stories, and Passing, and planning to circle back at some point to Quicksand.

I truly adored Passing. It was such a captivating read that I already have the urge to pick it up and read it again. I also can't wait for Netflix to hurry up and release the film adaptation. Nella Larsen's writing style is truly remarkable. The novella builds slowly, gradually drawing you in with its engaging plot. Along the way, there are some wonderful twists that keep you on the edge of your seat, and the ending is simply unforgettable.

This semester, I will likely teach Sanctuary to my American Lit students. I think Passing would be a great assignment for the Honors level. It gave me a similar feeling to The Awakening.

Reading Challenges

Stronger Spine: 30, A classic by a female author.

This review is specifically for "Passing" only.

Keeping secrets can truly have a profound and often devastating impact on a person, tearing them apart from within. And when it comes to keeping a secret about one's race, it is undeniably one of the most challenging situations imaginable.

Larsen has masterfully crafted a story that delves into the lives of two women in 1927 who are confronted with precisely this issue.

I find myself having rather mixed feelings about the book. There are certain moments when I am completely drawn in and truly like it, captivated by the complex characters and their struggles. However, at other times, I don't feel quite as engaged.

Nonetheless, I read this book as part of a book club, and I am really looking forward to the upcoming discussion. It will be interesting to hear the perspectives and interpretations of my fellow club members and see how they view this thought-provoking novel.

Perhaps through the discussion, I will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the book, resolving some of my own uncertainties and clarifying my overall impression.

Overall, "Passing" is a book that has left me with a lot to think about and I am eager to explore it further in the context of the book club discussion.

I couldn't get through Quicksand, but I just finished Passing.

The ending of Passing is truly out there. It leaves me with a plethora of questions.

When I think about the beginning of the book regarding the letter, it makes me wonder even more.

The letter seems to set the stage for something significant, but as the story progresses, its true meaning and importance remain somewhat of a mystery.

How does the letter tie into the overall themes and events of the book?

What were the author's intentions in using the letter as a starting point?

These are just some of the questions that come to mind as I reflect on my reading of Passing.

The ending, in particular, was so unexpected that it has really made me think about the story in a whole new light.

I'm curious to see what others think of the book and if they have any answers to my questions.

Perhaps a deeper analysis of the text or a discussion with other readers will help to shed some light on the mysteries of Passing.

I was specifically looking forward to reading "Passing" by Nella Larsen, but I was also glad to explore other works by her.

Although I had heard the term "passing" several times before, I didn't truly understand its meaning. However, this book provided a clear definition for me, adding a great deal of context and depth.

The stories in the collection reflected important issues such as race, identity, and the mindset of that particular era. I believe that Ms. Larsen herself faced struggles because of her light skin, which she was able to incorporate into this work.

"Passing" was definitely my favorite in the collection. It has an ambiguous ending that makes you think deeply about what it could mean and draw your own conclusions. In fact, half the time I find myself changing my mind about what the ending might imply.

This book not only entertained me but also made me reflect on important social and cultural issues. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the themes of race and identity.

Wow, this was truly remarkable.

Nella Larsen is a writer who unquestionably merits a much broader readership. It astonishes me that I remained ignorant of her until late last year. Her writing is incisive, perceptive, and exquisitely beautiful.

Her work delves deep into themes such as alienation, isolation, depression, race, belonging, identity, and expectations. It is replete with anger and resentment towards the forced belonging to a group at the expense of individualism. It poignantly articulates the inherent selfishness within us as humans, how we prioritize our own interests at all costs, ironically leading to the consumption of our very selves in the process.

This is profound and thought-provoking material. It is dark and brutal, yet exceptionally valuable. I deeply wish she had produced more works for us to explore and cherish.

This book encompasses three short stories namely The Wrong Man, Freedom, and Sanctuary, along with two short novels, Quicksand and Passing.

I chose not to read Passing as I had already perused it as a standalone work. These stories predominantly delve into the lives of the upper-class black community during the 1920s. Strangely enough, in many aspects, it appears that not much has altered over the years.

The volume also features a foreword and an introduction that elucidate the writings and life of Nella Larsen, the author. (One might wonder why she is listed here as an editor.)

I found The Wrong Man to be rather amusing, while the other two short stories were less memorable. Quicksand, which is said to be somewhat autobiographical, explores the life of Helga Crane, a mixed-race woman, as she steps into adulthood and endeavors to discover her place in the world. Helga continuously transitions from one situation and often one relationship to another. She seems to experience a fleeting sense of "happiness" only to become disillusioned shortly after. The final chapters, in which Helga's life takes an unexpected turn, were a bit of a surprise and led me to think about the recently read book by Henry Louis Gates on the black church. (Is it mere coincidence or a natural occurrence when different books and subjects intersect?) Nella Larsen is indeed an important writer of that era and an intriguing individual as well. Her stories have compelled me to contemplate numerous things, not solely related to race.