Passing

Pages: 104
Published: 1929
Language: English

In 1920s Harlem, Irene Redfield's carefully constructed life is upended when she reconnects with Clare Kendry, a childhood friend who is secretly passing as white. Clare's dangerous game of deception, and her growing desire to return to the Black community she left behind, threatens to expose everything and shatter Irene's world. This novel explores the complexities of identity, race, and belonging.

Prose complexity: 7/10

Complex Reflective Atmospheric Emotional

Secret Identity Morally Grey

Classics Historical Fiction Literary Fiction

Authors

Matthew Hodgson

Matthew Hodgson is the author of Passing, a notable work exploring themes of identity and societal expectations. He writes fiction that makes you think.

Nella Larsen

Nellallitea "Nella" Larsen (born Nellie Walker; April 13, 1891 – March 30, 1964) was an American novelist. Working as a nurse and a librarian, she published two novels, Quicksand (1928) and Passing (1929), and a few short stories. Though her literary output was scant, she earned recognition by her contemporaries. A revival of interest in her writing has occurred since the late 20th century, when issues of racial and sexual identity have been studied. Her works have been the subjects of numero...

Tamar Mishmar

Tamar Mishmar is the author of Passing, a novel that explores themes of identity and belonging. Her work offers a thoughtful look at the complexities of navigating different worlds.