Helpful Score: 2
Interesting social commentary from the 1920s on what it means to be of mixed race and the consequences of "passing" for white. It really is a reflection on the times when the color of your skin meant so much! I thought this short novella by Nella Larsen not only excellently portrayed how both whites and blacks reacted to "passing" but it was also a great glimpse into the time of the "Harlem renaissance" of the 1920s. Very thought-provoking and imaginative.
This novel also reminded me of the superb movie(s) "Imitation of Life" which were about a struggling young actress with a six-year-old daughter who sets up housekeeping with a homeless black widow and her light-skinned eight-year-old daughter who rejects her mother by trying to pass for white. This movie was actually made twice. The first time in 1934 with Claudette Colbert and then in 1959 with Lana Turner. Both versions are excellent and highly recommended.
This novel also reminded me of the superb movie(s) "Imitation of Life" which were about a struggling young actress with a six-year-old daughter who sets up housekeeping with a homeless black widow and her light-skinned eight-year-old daughter who rejects her mother by trying to pass for white. This movie was actually made twice. The first time in 1934 with Claudette Colbert and then in 1959 with Lana Turner. Both versions are excellent and highly recommended.
This was a very interesting, enjoyable read. Even though it was written in 1929, the book is very relevant to present day also. The characters are well developed and the author's writing is such that you are drawn to loathe some of their behavior. I did not expect the ending and was very surprised. I would recommend this book to everyone and I look forward to reading more of Larsen's work.
