Collins Classics — PASSING Paperback

Nella Larsen's powerful and poignant novel, Passing, delves into the complexities of race, identity, and the choices that shape a life in 1920s America. The story centers on Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry, two childhood friends who are both light-skinned African Americans, but have chosen to navigate the world on opposite sides of the color line. Irene lives fully within the Black community in Harlem, while Clare has chosen to "pass" as white, concealing her true identity from her white husband. When their paths unexpectedly cross, the rekindled friendship ignites a web of longing, jealousy, and ultimately, devastating consequences as their carefully constructed worlds collide, forcing them to confront the precarious nature of identity and the societal pressures that dictate their lives. Passing is a nuanced and unforgettable exploration of racial ambiguity, social boundaries, and the yearning for belonging in a world defined by rigid divisions.