Passing

Some humans have the ability to shape-shift. Like a chameleon they can blend into their surrounding by changing their color to something that it isn’t. This is a phenomenon known as “passing” in which people of color who are light enough to pass for white, say that they are to receive the privilege (or lack of disadvantage) that comes along with being white. The book Passing, written by Nella Larsen, is a story about the intricacies of faith in those you love and your race, and explores what one woman will face when she’s forced to choose between the two.

               

Passing is set up like a play, with 3 acts in which the mixed-light-skinned protagonist, Irene Redfield, encounters her childhood friend, Clare Kendry, 3 times. Clare is also very light, but unlike Irene, she chooses to pass for white-ensuring a life of comfort and privilege, but with an underlying pulse of danger; the danger of being discovered. This book takes place in the late 20s in New York City and, although it is set in the north, racism is very obviously still a part of the characters’ lives. Irene’s relationship with her “white” friend is wrought with conflict and tension. When she discovers Clare is in danger as a result of betrayal (a term used interestingly frequently throughout the narrative) her race, Irene finds herself struggling between defending her heritage or her fellow man (so to speak). With her dignity and sanity carefully in the balance, Irene must explore what is most important to her, and how she relates to the world around her, asking herself: what is bravery and what is cowardice?

               

Passing is a poignant look at two women’s cultural struggles in a white dominated world, and how they choose to move past them. Full of intriguing plot twists, introspective internal monologue and complex characters, Passing gives the reader a look at black America in the 1920s, and new or improved perspective on race and privilege. For anyone who is struggling with their identity I any form, this is a book that will give you an array of characters to relate to and a myriad of conflicts to reflect on. It will open up the doors to personal reflection and give you the chance to ask yourself; what is most important to me, and what lengths would I go to to fight for it?

Book Review by Kai G.