Married to a successful physician and prominently ensconced in Harlem’s vibrant society of the 1920s, Irene Redfield leads a charmed existence — until a chance encounter with a childhood friend who has been “passing for white.” “Passing” offers fascinating psychological insights into issues of race and gender. Reviews Another trailblazer, Larsen wrote this novel in 1929. It follows Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield, two light-skinned black women who try to escape racism. Kendry chooses to sever all ties with her background and passes herself off as white, while Redfield simply denies that racism exists. Both, however, eventually are forced to face the awful truth. This edition contains a lengthy introduction and scholarly notes on the text. Essential for Black History Month. About the Author One of the shining stars of the Harlem Renaissance, Nellallitea Nella Larsen (April 13, 1891-March 30, 1964) left behind only two novels and a handful of short stories — but Larsen’s remarkable voice and vision has ensured her place in literary history.