Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
37(37%)
4 stars
26(26%)
3 stars
37(37%)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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This is a book that I deeply enjoyed.

It had been something that I picked up so long ago and then didn't pick it up until recently. Once I started reading again, I simply couldn't put it down!!

Larsen's writing is truly remarkable. She has this incredible ability to make her characters' struggles and triumphs feel so intimate and relatable. It's as if we are right there with them, experiencing every emotion.

Her work reminds all of us of the strength that can be found in embracing one's true self. Reading her stories feels like having a warm conversation with a kindred spirit.

She beautifully celebrates the richness of Black womanhood and the universal quest for belonging.

Even though at times, it can feel quite dark as she reveals the main character's true feelings, especially in the case of Helga, it still feels incredibly true to how being Black impacts our very thoughts and is present in everything we do.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone out there who hasn't yet come across Nella Larsen's work. It's a literary gem that is sure to touch your heart and make you think.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
July 15,2025
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This is truly an outstanding collection of stories and novels.

It is so remarkable that I really don't have anything else to say.

Nella Larsen's early literary stardom is a testament to her incredible talent.

However, her tragically cut-short career makes her works even more significant.

Her novels, Quicksand and Passing, are absolute must-reads.

They offer unique perspectives on race, identity, and gender in a way that is both powerful and thought-provoking.

Larsen's writing style is engaging and her characters are complex and well-developed.

These works are not only important contributions to the literary canon but also fascinating reads that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Whether you are a fan of literature or simply looking for a good story, Quicksand and Passing are not to be missed.
July 15,2025
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Really good, the anxiety is palpable.

It's truly remarkable how the author manages to convey such a sense of palpable anxiety throughout the piece. The anticipation builds with each passing moment, keeping the reader on the edge of their seats.

I deeply appreciated the forward. It provided valuable insights and perspectives that definitely gave me a deeper appreciation of the works. It served as a guide, leading me to explore the hidden meanings and nuances within the stories.

For both "Quicksand" and "Passing", I wasn't sure what to expect for endings. The author skillfully weaves a web of mystery and uncertainty, making it impossible to predict what lies ahead. And yet, when the endings finally arrived, they were not what I had anticipated. They were unexpected, yet somehow fitting, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity to the overall narrative.
July 15,2025
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The book holds great importance due to its prominent place within the Harlem Renaissance. It delves deep into crucial aspects such as race matters, colorism, and the growing sense of women's independence.


I found myself not being hindered by the language, the unique word choices, or the sentence construction. Instead, I was able to fully immerse myself in the story.


The characters in each story are truly remarkable. They display heroic efforts in their pursuits, yet their existences are often tragic. This contrast adds a layer of complexity and depth to the narrative.


I had been aware of Larsen and "Passing" for decades, yet I had never before delved into her works. The topics she addresses are not only relevant today but also cause many of us to pause and ponder the significance that society places on those aspects that cannot be changed. It makes us question our own biases and prejudices and encourages us to strive for a more inclusive and understanding world.

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