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If you would like to lead the discussion this month for PASSING, please let me know.

The discussion for PASSING begins day. I loved this book when I read it years and years ago and even more so on subsequent readings. I love QUICKSAND by her as well.

Has anyone started it, requested it from library, or have already read it? Did you watch the movie with Tessa Thompson snd Ruth Negga? What was your thoughts?

I’ve read the book and seen the movie. I liked both and thought the movie was well done and faithful to the book.

I’ve read some discussions of lesbian subtext in the book and am interested to hear what people think about that. I’m also looking forward to seeing what people think about the ending.

Is this “Passing�� from Netflix?

MadProfessah wrote: "Is this “Passing�� from Netflix?"

Yes.

Mary wrote: "I’ve read the book and seen the movie. I liked both and thought the movie was well done and faithful to the book.

I’ve read some discussions of lesbian subtext in the book and am interested to he..."

Yes, you could have an entire discussion about the ending alone and the difference between the book and movie.

MadProfessah wrote: "Is this “Passing�� from Netflix?"

That made me chuckle a bit since Passing was written in 1929, many years before a Netflix was even a possibility. But judging from the surprising wait list at my local library, Netflix has certainly revved up renewed interest.

Just finished the book and I definitely need to read more from Larsen. Although I found it confusing at times (I guess compared to more contemporary books I've been writing recently), I could definitely appreciate how beautifully it was written.
It was interesting to see another side to the 1920s, opposed to the books I've read about rich white men in the same era.

ColumbusReads wrote: "The discussion for PASSING begins day. I loved this book when I read it years and years ago and even more so on subsequent readings. I love QUICKSAND by her as well.

Has anyone started it, request..."

I have a copy of the book and hope to get started on that soon. I haven't seen the movie yet, but would like to. Any recommendations on whether it would be better to read it first, then watch it, or vice versa?

I’ll start reading in about a week. I didn’t know there was a movie!!!

Lauren wrote: "ColumbusReads wrote: "The discussion for PASSING begins day. I loved this book when I read it years and years ago and even more so on subsequent readings. I love QUICKSAND by her as well.

Has anyo..."

I would definitely say read the book first. I’m extremely biased in that although I liked the Netflix adaptation of this book, it doesn’t hold a candle to the book. This book is a classic for a damn good reason.

ColumbusReads wrote: "Lauren wrote: "ColumbusReads wrote: "The discussion for PASSING begins day. I loved this book when I read it years and years ago and even more so on subsequent readings. I love QUICKSAND by her as ..."

Will do - thanks for the recommendation!

Yes - both saw the movie and read the book - both sensitively moving and enjoyable. I really enjoyed the subtlety of feeling between the women, it felt like a private live current that ran underneath their public relations with the men. The writing was superb - especially as I thought she handled so deftly this difficult tightrope - not only between white and black, but also between the sexes.

I'm currently listening to the audiobook from the library & I think I'll check it out on Netflix tonight. It's beautifully written.

Tiffany wrote: "I'm currently listening to the audiobook from the library & I think I'll check it out on Netflix tonight. It's beautifully written."

Who’s narrating the audio. Do you know?

I read the book years ago, and I was very happy to see that it was coming out as a movie. I liked the juxtaposition of the two women.

Irene used her privilege pass only to momentarily benefit herself. She did not live in that space. Where Clare lived boldly in her privilege. She lived in fear of being found out, but she didn't let her fear stop her from living her life the way she wanted to.

I think both women were jealous of the other in a way. They both experienced a sense of freedom that the other couldn't. Irene would not dare to live like Clare, and Clare was... a hot mess.

What did anyone think about Clare's thoughts on having children?

If your circumstances allow, please read the book before watching the movie.

Tomorrow I will have a full reading/discussion schedule for the book (that’ll give me time to locate my copy -haha).

I was bewitched, bothered and a little bewildered when “The Vanishing Half�� was released and talked about incessantly with nary a mention of Passing. I only say that because many people talked about TVH like there was nothing before it and it was a new phenomenon. I liked The Vanishing Half a lot, but I LOVE Passing.

Howdy 👋🏽

There are so many layers to the storylines. I definitely agree that there is some jealousy on both sides. Clare certainly believes she is living the life she desires, but wants the best of both worlds, which is a very dangerous assumption in the 20s.

I haven’t read The Vanishing Half.

I’m looking forward to the additional discussion.

I have not seen the movie yet. I wanted to read the book first.

ColumbusReads wrote: "Tiffany wrote: "I'm currently listening to the audiobook from the library & I think I'll check it out on Netflix tonight. It's beautifully written."

Who’s narrating the audio. Do you know?"

Robin Miles is doing an excellent job with the narration. She makes Irene & Clare come to life.

Tiffany wrote: "ColumbusReads wrote: "Tiffany wrote: "I'm currently listening to the audiobook from the library & I think I'll check it out on Netflix tonight. It's beautifully written."

Who’s narrating the audio..."

Ok, so Robin Miles is knocking it out the park again with her narration. I keep hearing great things about her.

Discussion schedule:

Part 1 (Encounter) - Now through Feb 8th
Part 2 (Reencounter) - through Feb 14th

Entire book open Feb 15th

I have a copy and hope to start reading soon.

I hoping to start this book by Sunday.

Carey wrote: "I think both women were jealous of the other in a way. They both experienced a sense of freedom that the other couldn't. Irene would not dare to live like Clare, and Clare was... a hot mess.

What did anyone think about Clare's thoughts on having children?"

I can see Clare’s point. Even as she flirts with the truth of who she is by socializing with people from her past who could expose her, having more children runs a greater risk of exposure in that if she were to have a child that was noticeably darker how would she explain it?

On the question of jealousy on both women’s sides I’m not exactly sure if its jealously at least on Clare’s part. I also haven’t finished the whole book yet so I don’t have all the details, but I’m saying this because after the tea party trap/encounter with Clare’s racist husband this paragraph struck me:

And all the while, on the rushing ride out to her father’s house, Irene Redfield was trying to understand the look on Clare’s face as she had said good-bye. Partly mocking it had seemed, and partly menacing. And something else for which she could find no name. For an instant a recrudescence of that sensation of fear which she had had while looking into Clare’s eyes that afternoon touched her. A slight shiver ran over her.

My first thoughts were that that was malicious, what is Clare up to? Is this self-hatred coming out and now being focused on other women like her who can “pass��? In particular has Irene become the symbol for her black side that she wants buried or to make a mockery of? I don’t trust Clare enough and think it could be something else or at the very least there are many layers to her motives.

And yes, Clare seems to be a hot mess.

Discussing parts 1&2 Encounter & Reencounter now.

ColumbusReads wrote: "The discussion for PASSING begins day. I loved this book when I read it years and years ago and even more so on subsequent readings. I love QUICKSAND by her as well.

Has anyone started it, request..."

I just got digital access from my local library. I was number 71 about a month ago. This book is very popular right now!

Kari wrote: "And all the while, on the rushing ride out to her father’s house, Irene Redfield was trying to understand the look on Clare’s face as she had said good-bye. Partly mocking it had seemed, and partly menacing. And something else for which she could find no name. For an instant a recrudescence of that sensation of fear which she had had while looking into Clare’s eyes that afternoon touched her. A slight shiver ran over her.

My first thoughts were that that was malicious, what is Clare up to? Is this self-hatred coming out and now being focused on other women like her who can “pass��? In particular has Irene become the symbol for her black side that she wants buried or to make a mockery of? I don’t trust Clare enough and think it could be something else or at the very least there are many layers to her motives."

I had the impression that the more Clare took up space in her life again, the more Irene felt threatened by her and therefore perceived her whole personality very negatively. It is difficult to say whether this really reflects the reality or whether Irene just thought she had to defend herself and her life against Clare.

Speaking of motives, I see Clare as a very lonely person, searching for her identity and concluding that she cannot find that place for herself in her own family. So she hopes to find that place in Irene`s family. Also, I sometimes got the feeling that Clare had strong feelings for Irene and that she wanted to be by her side, but Irene couldn't see it because it probably seemed very far off to her and perhaps not in line with her standards. On the other hand she seems very obsessed with Clare in a way she never questions.

Melanie wrote: I had the impression that the more Clare took up space in her life again, the more Irene felt threatened by her and therefore perceived her whole personality very negatively. It is difficult to say whether this really reflects the reality or whether Irene just thought she had to defend herself and her life against Clare.

I had the same thoughts as I was reading the Re-Encounter section regarding Irene's voice and how that's influencing my thoughts, but recognizing that it is from her perspective so what isn't being said, and what don't we see?

What you said about Clare being lonely, I can see that. From that view it makes sense that she might want to insert herself into Irene's family. You know I wonder why Irene never questions her obsession with Clare? Do you think its because Irene is so focused on keeping her life as it is?

Just a general question for everyone but how do you view the characters so far? Can you relate to any of them or any situation?

-----
"It's funny about 'passing.' We disapprove of it and at the same time condone it. It excites our contempt and yet we rather admire it. We shy away from it with an odd kind of revulsion, but we protect it."

I've now read the book and watched the movie. Really liked both (much better than TVH). I liked how it adressed issues of race, class and gender - without being too pushy with the messages (as I found TVH was). Both book and movie left its audience with room to think about the subjects.
The book was a reread to me, but it was even better than I remembered.

Gitte - Bookworm's Closet wrote: "I've now read the book and watched the movie. Really liked both (much better than TVH). I liked how it adressed issues of race, class and gender - without being too pushy with the messages (as I fo..."

I’ve enjoyed the book more with each subsequent reading. I think QUICKSAND by this author is grossly underrated, too.

Very happy this book was introduced to me through this group. I related so deeply to it. My sister and I are mixed. I am “passing��, she is not. I also was very intrigued by how the women are treated in this novel. White or Black, women are still oppressed by the men in their lives. I definitely picked up on lesbian undertones as well, but I figured that was me projecting a little bit lol.

Kari wrote: "I had the same thoughts as I was reading the Re-Encounter section regarding Irene's voice and how that's influencing my thoughts, but recognizing that it is from her perspective so what isn't being said, and what don't we see?"

Yes, totally agree, Kari, it´s lying underneath, don´t you think? What I am asking myself is why I should trust Irene in her perceptions as a reader - my guts tell me that Clare would be more reliable. They have something in common and both of them struggle in a different way by passing (Irene in her Black and Clare in her white community). Irene could have said goodbye to Clare in a heartbeat but never really did, I am wondering myself what was stopping her from doing so maybe this struggle was bonding them but Irene repressed her feelings?

Kari wrote: "What you said about Clare being lonely, I can see that. From that view it makes sense that she might want to insert herself into Irene's family. You know I wonder why Irene never questions her obsession with Clare? Do you think its because Irene is so focused on keeping her life as it is?

I think so too and I have some mixed feelings. Irene is supposedly trying to protect herself/her family and always relies on security and her morals. On the other hand, I feel a hidden great affection and perhaps adoration for Clare. They are both so opposite, but basically they both want to be loved and seen in their communities and maybe look for it a little bit in each other? Irene sometimes doesn't seem to find what she is looking for in Brian either, maybe Clare has sparked something in her? And now she is a little afraid to go too far and trying to get away from Clare again ... what do you think?

I first became aware of “passing�� as a tween in the movies such as Showboat and Imitation of Life. I remember being deeply disturbed by this fact of life and the impossible choices some feel forced to make.

This time I wanted to read the book first, which feels more like a novella, and as hard as it was I’m thankful to this group for elevating this exquisite and tragic (how could it be otherwise?) narrative. I will read more of Ms Larson’s books.

I was exposed to colorism in college, although there was no one passing, it was a bit beyond the era of natural hair among women and so there was a lot of headscarf wearing between straightening. I wasn’t privy to the conversations, but I could sense them around me.

Recently deceased Black writer, Barbara Neely, must have had fun creating the capers that Blanche White would solve, but with each book she took on a consequence of white supremacy as in Among the Talented Tenth. But most of my white friends would not be helped by this topic��.or?��.

So, with this movie getting quite a bit of commercial advertising dollars, I’m going to think about how to use this book as a tool for exploring the consequences of white supremacy in the United States.

Melanie wrote: "....They have something in common and both of them struggle in a different way by passing (Irene in her Black and Clare in her white community). Irene could have said goodbye to Clare in a heartbeat but never really did, I am wondering myself what was stopping her from doing so maybe this struggle was bonding them but Irene repressed her feelings?"

That really is one of the questions isn’t it? Why didn’t Irene just say goodbye to Clare? She certainly planned it but never followed through. Maybe she did repress her feelings because despite the commonality and the opportunity to explore passing from Clare’s perspective the reality is that Clare didn’t fit into her curated life. Irene seemed focused on guarding what she had already attained at almost any cost.

Melanie wrote: "....They are both so opposite, but basically they both want to be loved and seen in their communities and maybe look for it a little bit in each other? Irene sometimes doesn't seem to find what she is looking for in Brian either, maybe Clare has sparked something in her? And now she is a little afraid to go too far and trying to get away from Clare again ... what do you think?"

It is hard for me to formulate my thoughts around this because the longer I sit with the book my thinking around it morphs. I think what Clare possibly sparked in Irene, or maybe what she did for Irene is allow her to see past what she expects her world to look like and instead see it for what it is? For instance during the Re-Encounter section Irene ruminates over Brian and tries to keep her construction of him and their family life as she intended. The things is at this point in the book it seems clear that Brian doesn’t really like the middle class society life they’re living, his values are different than hers. I get the impression though that Irene doesn’t want to accept that fact yet. In some ways maybe she has the right to expect from her husband all those things? This is the 20s. Are people allowed to separate without repercussions especially if you’re a woman? Looking at Clare, she really is a reflection of the future. A time where you don’t have to pass but can be seen as mixed, and a time where women have more agency. In a way those are two of the boundaries Clare pushes on. In that light I’m not sure if Irene pushes Clare away because she’s afraid of going too far herself or if she’s afraid of what Clare exposes?

You know I think one of the things I like about Passing is that Larsen doesn’t spell out the answers but leaves enough room for interpretation. The reader has an active role in the story and imbues meaning according to each individual self.

**“She was caught between two allegiances, different, yet the same. Herself. Her race. Race! The thing that bounded and suffocated her…For the first time she suffered and rebelled because she was unable to disregard the burden of race. It was, she cried silently, enough to suffer as a woman, an individual, on one’s own account, without having to suffer for the race as well. It was a brutality, and undeserved.��

A short but powerful novel. Told entirely from the POV of one of the main characters, Irene Redfield, Passing is a story that wrestles with and explores the complexities of identity, loyalty, and belonging-and how these things influence the relationships between the self and others, notably among Irene and Clare. There were also other great underlying and thought-provoking themes throughout that tie in with the previous themes I mentioned, such as gender, social class, motherhood, and sexuality. I really appreciated everything this book offered and made me feel, including the ambiguity behind some of the events and actions that take place. It's a shame the author didn't continue writing or if she did, never published anymore works, she was definitely a talented writer. At some point, I plan to read her first novel Quicksand, which I anticipate being just as good as this one.

Side note...I also plan on watching the Netflix movie depiction/adaptation of the book, I really hope they do it justice.

**Quote description: Excerpt from Passing by Nella Larsen, quote taken from the protagonist Irene Redfield.

I enjoyed the journey of the story, yet I’m frustrated with the ending. This is my first time hearing and reading Ms. Larson’s work. I’m familiar with Hurston and Mr. Hughes , but she is new to me. I really enjoyed her writing! I think like others have previously stated, I will look into getting a copy of Quicksand.

“Carey wrote:

What did anyone think about Clare's thoughts on having children?"

I think Clare’s decision to have a baby was so she could secure her bag. What frustrates me about the ending is not knowing what happened to her daughter.

I think Irene is a coward for not setting a clear boundary with Clare and pretending to be her friend. To me she should have been truthful to her friend about her feelings of dislike towards Clare’s lifestyle and Mr. Bellew’s attitude towards her community. But as the saying goes, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer!��

Kari wrote: "It is hard for me to formulate my thoughts around this because the longer I sit with the book my thinking around it morphs."

Yes, this book is so multi layered, yesterday I thought the exact opposite of what I thought the day before.

Kari wrote: "I think what Clare possibly sparked in Irene, or maybe what she did for Irene is allow her to see past what she expects her world to look like and instead see it for what it is? For instance during the Re-Encounter section Irene ruminates over Brian and tries to keep her construction of him and their family life as she intended. The things is at this point in the book it seems clear that Brian doesn’t really like the middle class society life they’re living, his values are different than hers. I get the impression though that Irene doesn’t want to accept that fact yet. In some ways maybe she has the right to expect from her husband all those things? This is the 20s. Are people allowed to separate without repercussions especially if you’re a woman? Looking at Clare, she really is a reflection of the future. A time where you don’t have to pass but can be seen as mixed, and a time where women have more agency. In a way those are two of the boundaries Clare pushes on. In that light I’m not sure if Irene pushes Clare away because she’s afraid of going too far herself or if she’s afraid of what Clare exposes?"

These are great thoughts, thank you for bringing it to light.
I will definitely read the novel more times.

Kari wrote: "You know I think one of the things I like about Passing is that Larsen doesn’t spell out the answers but leaves enough room for interpretation. The reader has an active role in the story and imbues meaning according to each individual self."

Beautiful said.

I just read an (German) article about Nella Larsen and now I am very curious to know more about her life and her work. Passing has been republished here with a new translation in September last year.

TL wrote: "I think like others have previously stated, I will look into getting a copy of Quicksand. "

Me as well.

ColumbusReads wrote: "The discussion for PASSING begins day. I loved this book when I read it years and years ago and even more so on subsequent readings. I love QUICKSAND by her as well.

Has anyone started it, request..."

Yes I watched the movie. The other actress was in the movie as a Black woman who married a white man during the 50s, and sadly, I cannot recall the name but did watch that movie by her.

I didn't care for the B&W version, and heard it was done by Forrest Whittaker (spelling his last name may not be correct). The ending left me hanging...so I'll see how the novel covers it. However, while I am listening to the audiobook, I can see both women, as Irene or Rene (Renie I believe was expressed in the Netflix feature), and Claire. So the movie helps move the novel. Of course, the novel goes more into depth than the feature film.

The audiobook sounds like Claire Huxatable voice (actress Phylicia Rashad, Debbie Allen's sis). I will later read the eBook version too to make sure I do not miss anything...

Lauren wrote: "ColumbusReads wrote: "The discussion for PASSING begins day. I loved this book when I read it years and years ago and even more so on subsequent readings. I love QUICKSAND by her as well.

Has anyo..."
I am glad I watched the movie first before reading the book. Then you can see how the novel answers or speaks on those things...

TL wrote: "ColumbusReads wrote: "The discussion for PASSING begins day. I loved this book when I read it years and years ago and even more so on subsequent readings. I love QUICKSAND by her as well.

Has anyo..."

I just got my eBook copy and audiobook copy via Library this week. Thankfully, I did not have to put it on hold and watch my #.

Anna wrote: "Very happy this book was introduced to me through this group. I related so deeply to it. My sister and I are mixed. I am “passing��, she is not. I also was very intrigued by how the women are treate..."

THanks for your honesty. I have a cousin who favors you too. I have had relatives who "passed" and two generations later is discovering their Black (AA) family. I am mixed and cannot "pass" except that people know i am mixed with more than one race and some they guess wrong, lol.

Christine (Caffrey) wrote: "I first became aware of “passing�� as a tween in the movies such as Showboat and Imitation of Life. I remember being deeply disturbed by this fact of life and the impossible choices some feel forced..."

Yes, my mom had me watch "Imitation to Life" when I was younger, and teens, then as a young adult. I later found out there is more than one version and watched them both a few years back. Loved that movie on Passing.

I just got to Part 2 on the audiobook today driving home from work, hour drive. I will skim through the eBook to catch up...I love the points all you that participated are bringing to my attention and awareness.

'I think Irene is a coward for not setting a clear boundary with Clare and pretending to be her friend. To me she should have been truthful to her friend about her feelings of dislike towards Clare’s lifestyle and Mr. Bellew’s attitude towards her community. But as the saying goes, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer!�� '

I applaud your analysis, but I have to disagree with you TL. Irene is just like Claire in terms of not addressing her son's encounter with aggressive racism at his school when her husband apprised her about it. Also, her husband repeatedly wanted to leave the United States due to its intense racism towards Afro-American males. Thus, Black men are endangered species living in the United States. He suggested living abroad in Brazil to escape the torture of being a Black man in America, but Irene ignored him. I deem Irene to be just as selfish as Claire and they are two peas in a pod, as the adage states.

On a side note, my novella: "Jasmine Breeze" discusses the same themes of "Passing" because my protagonist passes for White and how this aspect negatively and positively affects her life. My book is not as nuanced as "Passing" and I delve into bisexualities.

I liked this book very much. Though it is short, it’s message is very serious and clear, also it fits perfectly in this age.

We must not ignore our roots and we must teach the next generation about their origins and their specialty. Feeling of rootlessness is painful. Though we cannot get everything in life but we should choose what is near to our heart and which may keep those happy on whom our happiness depends.

Claire could have chosen Brazil to live in and residential schools in NY for her kids.

These are my personal thoughts and this book has affected me personally.

Nidhi wrote: "I liked this book very much. Though it is short, it’s message is very serious and clear, also it fits perfectly in this age.

We must not ignore our roots and we must teach the next generation abou..."

Nidhi, the violence towards Afro-American men bestowed by law enforcement or vigilantes is prevalent today. The timeliness of "Passing" coincides with current events. We are in a cultural war because People of Color are now the dominant race on planet Earth.

I did not get the lesbian vibes in the Netflix feature of "Passing"; however, I did sense reacquaintance, amazement that they could pass in certain settings, and later jealousy or envious vibes because she was the thing at the club setting, parties, and hope her husband responded to Claire when she was there. I'm in part two of novel, two hours left in audio book, more than fifty percent, and see if it's there.

I hope it's only a genuine reacquaintance not want you vibe.

The Rising Tide of Color Against White World-Supremacy, by Theodore Lothrop Stoddard is a great book to viscerally comprehend systemic White Supremacy. Furthermore, it was written during the same time as “Passing.��

My mother and I watched the movie together. She mentioned that my grandmother, who lived in Harlem after migrating from NC and during the time Passing took place, knew a number of people whose relatives had "passed" and came to be truly miserable.

Clare was taught to pass after her father died and probably thought she was doing well in life, until she bumped into Irene. Not just a random Black woman, but a Black woman from her past. Clare behaves as a person lost alone in the desert without water. Once back around people, they want to drink all the water they can get their hands on. Clare wants to drink in the Black people and culture she misses so much, and probably didn't know she missed. And with her big personality, she became a disruption in Irene's life, even more so after Irene realized Clare's husband hated Black people. Irene & Brian's marriage troubles became more pronounced as Clare kept turning up. Her anxiety got the best of her.

Respectability politics (what drove Irene) and misery (what drove Clare) are two big themes in this great book.

Thanks TIffany for the clarification. I am still getting to part 3 now.

I thought about the question posed earlier on the "lesbianism" and wonder did it have anything to do with Clare's aunts being "gay" as the novel used "queer"; Grace and Edna, very religious, and lead her to marry at 18. Do you see this as young during the 1920s? Or even young today to marry?

I still have to read further because in part 1 ch. 3 does mention about Irene finding Clare to be very seductive, and such, with her voice. I will check my notes I took today at work while I read a bit...most of the week I was listening via audio.