Category: Book Review

Book Review: Passing by Nella Larsen

Published in 1929 Passing is a brilliantly layered story set in 1920s Harlem of two light skinned Black women, childhood friends who are estranged then reunite after taking two very different paths: one living comfortably as the wife of a dark skinned Black doctor in Harlem society, the other “passing” as white, married to a white man. The book is short – just over 100 pages – the writing sparse, yet author Nella Larsen manages to convey so much nuance about race, class, identity, sexuality, and freedom, with an unexpected horror undertone to boot.

A perfect classic companion read for Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half.

Passing was adapted into a film by Netflix in 2021.

Book Review: 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

84, Charing Cross Road is the letter correspondence between Helene, a bohemian freelance writer in New York City and (primarily) Frank, an antiquarian bookseller in England (but also other people affiliated with Frank and the bookshop get in on the chats.) Their relationship is entirely contained within letters sent over two decades time beginning in 1949. It’s a story of books and friendship and slow correspondence; an entirely charming read that can be enjoyed in a single sitting.

A book about books and the way they can connect us perfect for book lovers everywhere.