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Passing cover art

Passing

By: Nella Larsen
Narrated by: Tessa Thompson
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Summary

Light-skinned Black woman Irene Redfield encounters an old childhood friend - Clare - who is now "passing" as a White woman. Clare is married to a racist White man, who doesn't know she has African American blood. In spite of the danger of being found out by her husband and society at large, she finds herself helplessly drawn to Irene's world....

Passing is a fascinating listening experience on many simultaneous levels.

©1929 Nella Larsen (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

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What listeners say about Passing

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  • Overall
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    4 out of 5 stars

Fascinating tale

A good listen, short but fascinating tale of life in those times. Good narration transported me into that world.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Resonant Harlem Renaissance novel

This novel exceeded my expectations. It was beautifully read in a way that enhanced the mounting tension and horror. I highly recommend it!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

powerful and important

I loved this. I wasn't really sure what the point of the Hugh character was, but I feel this is a book to study and analyse with those who know more than me. It's a book that will stick with me. Kinda sad that it had to end up being about a wife's suspicion of her husband, but I suppose that was a common theme back then?

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Interesting themes

It definitely had The Great American Novel feel to it and it's probably a book very much of its time. Whilst it explored some very fascinating and important themes, it felt slightly under-developed. I did not really get a feel of what it was like (practically and psychologically) to pass - the impact of living that lie on a daily basis. Perhaps a missed opportunity.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautifully-written and -performed

A really engrossing story, beautifully written with a luminous quality. A subtle and fascinating story exploring ideas of race and identity. A warm, atmospheric performance by Tessa Thompson.

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  • 07-10-21

Great

Was really good performance by tessa and good timely story about white passing , race issues that are still relevant today and social structures .

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Lovely quick read

A take of racism and passing in Harlem in the early 20th century. Eye opening.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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tessa thompson.. wow

fantastic story by Nella Larsen and fantastic narration by tessa thompson. i want to listen to it again.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Unique and emotional story

I loved Tessa’s narration and the story was simple but had depth and emotion. Gets you thinking

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great writing and narration

Tessa Thompson's narration was great! I loved the writing and the story was thought-provoking.

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