Passing by Nella Larsen

I’d no idea what to expect with this read, and sometimes, that is a good thing.  In this case, it was a very good thing.

Set in 1920’s Harlem and Chicago, Passing centers on two mixed race women and their very different views of themselves and their acceptance by society.  This was much more than a tale of women passing themselves as white and was actually more about reacquainted friends who appear quite similar to others yet are polar opposites in every way.

Irene Redfield accepts her ability to “pass”,  however seems to fear being found out at every turn.  She both admires and envies her old friend, Clare and adores, yet resents her son and husband.  Somehow Irene has managed to feel unaccepted in most aspects of her life and her reunion with Clare seems to exacerbate that unease.

Clare Kendry feels comfortable in both white and black society and “passes” with ease at an upscale Chicago hotel where she runs into Irene.   Married to a white man, unaware of his wife’s mixed race, has allowed her to move up the social ladder she always longed for.  She lives quite comfortably, yet feels pulled to Irene’s life in Harlem.

An ignorant racist, Jack Bellew is Clare’s husband.  He refers to his wife using derogatory terms, unaware of its offensive meaning and claims he would sooner die than marry outside his race.

I’d love to sit down with Ms. Larsen and hear about her time as a nurse and librarian, as well as her early years in Harlem.  I believe there’s a depth to this woman that few have had the privilege to know.

My rating for Passing is a 9 out of 10.

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Next up, Brendan Behan’s Borstal boy…