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Passing by Nella Larsen
Passing by Nella Larsen
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Passing: Modern Library Torchbearers Edition
by Nella Larsen
🎷 HARLEM RENAISSANCE & SOCIAL CRITIQUE
An electrifying classic exploring the fluid and dangerous boundaries of racial identity in 1920s New York.
Extended Synopsis
In 1920s Harlem, Irene Redfield lives an affluent, stable life within a thriving Black community. Her world is disrupted when she reconnects with her childhood friend, Clare Kendry. Clare is light-skinned and has spent years "passing" as white, married to a virulently racist man who is entirely unaware of her heritage. While Irene is repulsed by the danger of Clare's deception, she is also deeply fascinated by it.
As Clare begins to insinuate herself into Irene's social circle to reclaim a sense of Black identity she abandoned for social advantage, the two women enter a complex psychological dance of desire and resentment. Passing is a chilling exploration of sacrifice and alienation, forcing readers to confront the performative nature of race and the tragic consequences of choosing a life based on a lie. This edition includes a notable introduction by Kaitlyn Greenidge, providing contemporary context to Larsen's groundbreaking work.
Author Biography
Nella Larsen (1891–1964) was a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Of mixed Danish and West Indian descent, her work often drew from her personal experiences of racial ambiguity and marginalization. Though her literary career was brief, Passing and Quicksand remain vital texts in African American literature.
Reader Targeting
- Harlem Renaissance Scholars: Those studying the cultural output and social dynamics of 1920s New York.
- Sociology & Race Theory Students: Readers analyzing the history of "passing" and its implications on class and community.
- Literary Classics Collectors: Enthusiasts of the Modern Library Torchbearers series focusing on bold women writers.
Accolades & Awards
- One of The Atlantic’s Great American Novels of the Past 100 Years.
- Adapted into an award-winning film starring Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga.
Product Specifications
| ISBN-13: | 9780375758133 |
| Publisher: | Random House Publishing Group |
| Format: | Paperback (First Edition) |
| Publication Date: | 2002-05-28 |
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