Passing

Reflecting her own life in 1920s Harlem, Nella Larsen's powerful and captivating novel explores issues of racial identity, female friendship and belonging. Irene Redfield, married to a successful physician, enjoys a comfortable life in the African-American community of Harlem, New York. But when she renews her friendship with old school friend Clare Kendry, her perfect world begins to fracture. Clare, who like Irene is light skinned, traded her racial heritage for life in New York's upper classes, 'passing' as white to her racist husband. After years of pretence, Clare is determined to reconnect with her identity and Irene, despite misgivings, can't resist letting her back into the community they grew up in. As tensions mount between friends and between couples, this taut and mesmerizing narrative spins towards an unexpected end.Featuring an introduction by Christa Holm Vogelius. von Larsen, Nella