“The trouble with Clare was not only that she wanted to have her cake and eat it too but that she wanted to nibble at the cakes of other folk as well.”
Passing was first published in 1929, and its cover has changed many times over the years. It is a book that is studied in school and reread by many as it continually compels the reader to challenge assumptions about race.
Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield, both biracial, were childhood friends. Clare Kendry married a white man and is “passing” as white. We find out that her white husband has deep-rooted racist beliefs and doesn’t suspect that his wife is not 100% white. Irene Redfield has married a successful doctor and has two children; her husband and children have dark skin, and she lives comfortably with her racial makeup.
After not seeing each other for many years, Clare and Irene are reacquainted. Their renewed connection leads to Irene assessing the status of her marriage. Additionally, Irene has great difficulty avoiding Clare, and the reader is led to wonder whether there is a sexual attraction between the two women.
This short novel is packed with thought-provoking material for exploring the concept of race and sexuality in early 20th century American society. The author also delves into the themes of social class and friendship. The main characters are surprisingly well-developed for such a thin piece of literature: anger, trustworthiness, loyalty, selfishness, resentment, and insecurity are portrayed through the interactions of characters.
