About the book
HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics.‘She wished to find out about this hazardous business of “passing,” this breaking away from all that was familiar and friendly to take one’s chance in another environment…’The elegant Clare Kendry glides through New York’s high-society circles with ease, until the day she is reacquainted with her childhood friend, Irene. Clare chooses to ‘pass’ as white, hiding her African American heritage from her bigoted husband, while Irene leads a life that embraces it. As both women observe the other, a relationship of mutual fascination, obsession and secrets begins, one that will end in devastating circumstances.Published in 1929, Nella Larsen’s Passing lays bare the complexities of identity, race, class and gender. The novella established Larsen as one of the most important female authors in American literature and is considered a literary masterpiece of the Harlem Renaissance era.
Editions of Passing
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780008554286
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780008590154
- EBook
- ISBN 9780008554293
Read an Excerpt
HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics.‘She wished to find out about this hazardous business of “passing,” this breaking away from all that was familiar and friendly to take one’s chance in another environment…’The elegant Clare Kendry glides through New York’s high-society circles with ease, until the day she is reacquainted with her childhood friend, Irene. Clare chooses to ‘pass’ as white, hiding her African American heritage from her bigoted husband, while Irene leads a life that embraces it. As both women observe the other, a relationship of mutual fascination, obsession and secrets begins, one that will end in devastating circumstances.Published in 1929, Nella Larsen’s Passing lays bare the complexities of identity, race, class and gender. The novella established Larsen as one of the most important female authors in American literature and is considered a literary masterpiece of the Harlem Renaissance era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Passing about?
HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics.‘She wished to find out about this hazardous business of “passing,” this breaking away from all that was familiar and friendly to take one’s chance in another environment…’The elegant Clare Kendry glides through New York’s high-society circles with ease, until the day she is reacquainted with her childhood friend, Irene. Clare chooses to ‘pass’ as white, hiding her African American heritage from her bigoted husband, while Irene leads a life that embraces it. As both women observe the other, a relationship of mutual fascination, obsession and secrets begins, one that will end in devastating circumstances.Published in 1929, Nella Larsen’s Passing lays bare the complexities of identity, race, class and gender. The novella established Larsen as one of the most important female authors in American literature and is considered a literary masterpiece of the Harlem Renaissance era.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Passing?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre > Classic fiction: literary and general
Where can I read a sample of Passing?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780008554286
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Passing?
Nella Larsen
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Passing is available as paperback(ISBN 9780008554286) and paperback(ISBN 9780008590154) and ebook(ISBN 9780008554293)
Where can I buy Passing online or support local independent bookshops?
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