Passing

A groundbreaking novel of identity, race, and society, Passing follows the intertwined lives of two childhood friends, Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry, who navigate the complexities of racial passing in 1920s America. Clare, a light-skinned Black woman, has chosen to pass as white, while Irene remains within the Black community. When their paths cross again, their lives become entangled in a web of secrecy, desire, and societal expectations, leading to a dramatic and unforgettable conclusion.

Nella Larsen’s Passing is a poignant exploration of race, class, and the masks people wear to fit into different worlds. A masterful work of the Harlem Renaissance, this novel remains as powerful and relevant today as when it was first published.