Customer Reviews

Passing (Modern Library)

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Passing, written by African American author Nella Larsen during the 1920's is an often overlooked novel that explores not only racial tensions between Blacks and Whites in that period, and the problems solely within the African American community, but also more deeply examines the relationship of two women best friends reunited after many years. Larsen, in this novel laid the groundwork for many later African American women writers with her exploration of the relationship between two intelligent black women, virtually unprecedented in the white male dominated literature world of the early 20th century.

A novel about a black woman "passing" for white in 1920s Chicago and New York summons up all kinds of expectations. These were both disappointed and surpassed. This is a novel of great psychological depth about an encounter between two women - one satisfied with her life, the other a "having" type who lives on the edge and will make whatever personal sacrifices (and sacrifices of others) to get what she wants. We gradually watch their encounter develop over many months and episodes. The final turn of the plot and the last page or two of this novel lack conviction. That apart, this is utterly compelling as the great 19th century novels of character and plot.

First published in 1929, this was critically acclaimed on its publication. Nella Larson was a writer of the Harlem Renaissance, but after only a few stories she stopped writing for public consumption. This particular novel is starting to become popular again as it is used on courses throughout the US university system.

Passing refers to what both the main female characters can do in this book. Although technically of black origins they can actually pass as white, due to their skin tones. For Irene she stays to her heritage and has become a middle-classed black woman in New York, whereas Clare passes for white and has covered up her roots. After the two meeting for the first time since their teens in Chicago, they also meet again in New York a couple of years later.

Why this is such a delight to read is that the characters come alive and the whole book raises details and questions that are still relevant in today's world, where discrimination still takes place. Passing as a white woman may be alright, but you always have the worry that if you become pregnant, your child will be black. In someone like Clare's position with her husband not knowing her ancestry this is fraught with danger, in a country that like the US only stopped making it illegal in all states as late as 1967, for inter-racial marriages.

Taking in the segregation of the time, and racism in general this makes for an interesting and absorbing read, especially as Nella Larsen has placed some ambiguities in the story, especially for instance the ending. This is still as powerful a read as when it was first published.

Its a story that is relevant and fascinating even today. A black woman who can pass for white. She makes the decision to live as a white woman but she hankers for he black roots. The emphasis placed on colour still exists in 2012. To be born dark skinned in my view is a blessing. I have never had to think about passing myself off as anything other than a black woman. I felt great sympathy for the character who was so concerned that she might have a dark child that she refused to haver anymore children. She counted herself lucky that her daughter did not come out with any characteristics that would betray her black heritage. What an unhappy life.