Passing cover art

Passing

Penguin Classics

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Amaka Okafor, an acclaimed stage actress and composer who performs all over the country at venues such as The National Theatre, The Old Vic and National Theatre Scotland.

A classic, brilliant and layered novel that has been at the heart of racial identity discourse in America for almost a century.

Clare Kendry leads a dangerous life. Fair, elegant, and ambitious, she is married to a white man unaware of her African American heritage and has severed all ties to her past. Clare's childhood friend, Irene Redfield, just as light-skinned, has chosen to remain within the African American community, but refuses to acknowledge the racism that continues to constrict her family's happiness. A chance encounter forces both women to confront the lies they have told others - and the secret fears they have buried within themselves.

© Nella Larsen 1929 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

 African American Classics Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Fiction
All stars
Most relevant
In a short space of time, I was transported to an era when secrets & lies were a means of being accepted into society. ‘Passing’ was written quite a while ago but deals with issues of racism & colourist; issues that still plague our society today. I found it sad & haunting yet very engaging.

Succinct but powerful

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Fascinating storyline about a topic I knew little of. The narrator is fabulous.
I felt the ending was a little weak but thoroughly enjoyed this

Very modern for an old book

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Short, thought provoking and quickly escape to a different time and place. Should not have been out of print for so long.

Quality of the writing and narration

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