Passing

Nella Larsen

Passing by Nella Larsen is a riveting story exposing the challenges among “passing” Irene, a wife and mother living a comfortable life in Harlem during the 1920’s. Clare, also a wife and mother has been living a life that involves not identifying her true self. Born a black woman but has been passing in order to move through life seemly.

As both women are introduced to each other’s life’s, Clare envy’s Irene’s friends and the camaraderie that she shares with her community. Meanwhile, Irene is horrified with the group of people Clare has befriended and the way some people regard race relations within her circle. Clare begins to involve herself more in Irene’s life and questions the life she has chosen to live. A Harlem Renaissance masterpiece that digs and excavates the meaning behind race, gender, and society.