Passing
24 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by davemurray101 from Christiansted, US Virgin Islands US Virgin Islands on Saturday, September 13, 2008
A novel of growing up mixed race in early 20th century New York. Well worth a read.
Journal Entry 2 by davemurray101 at RABCK, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Friday, October 10, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (10/10/2008 UTC) at RABCK, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
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an racbk
an racbk
This surprise arrived in today's mail. Thank you so much Dave. X
I know that's how it was - but why do some 'races' feel superior? We are, after all, human!
This is heading to lakelady2282.
This is heading to lakelady2282.
Journal Entry 5 by lakelady2282 from Lake Macquarie, New South Wales Australia on Saturday, November 1, 2008
Thanks Cat. It was nice to catch up today.
Journal Entry 6 by lakelady2282 from Lake Macquarie, New South Wales Australia on Saturday, November 15, 2008
I am so glad I read this. Nella is just the kind of writer I most admire, wonderfully skilled at descriptions and her character psychology is excellent. I will definitely be hunting down Quicksand. It was very sad that she really never got the opportunity to write another book after Passing. As there is a shortage of this book on BC and not one on the 1001-library I am offering an international bookring for this book.
Katrinat - UK - read
perfect-circle - UK - read
WigglyWoods - UK - read
caroley - UK - read
brunton11 - UK - read
garibaldisghost - UK - read
lucy-lemon - UK - read
jessibud - Canada - read
bookgirrl - Canada - read
cobalt-tree - Canada - skipped because of no answer
lauraloo29 - Canada - read
cinnycat - USA - read
perryfan - USA - read
KLL - WA - read
livrecache - Vic - read
shazamay - NSW - read
FreePages - ACT - read
briz-cowgirl - Qld - read
luckaye - Qld - the book is here!
tqd - NSW
dolphin-au - NSW
bookseekerAT - NSW
Katrinat - UK - read
perfect-circle - UK - read
WigglyWoods - UK - read
caroley - UK - read
brunton11 - UK - read
garibaldisghost - UK - read
lucy-lemon - UK - read
jessibud - Canada - read
bookgirrl - Canada - read
cobalt-tree - Canada - skipped because of no answer
lauraloo29 - Canada - read
cinnycat - USA - read
perryfan - USA - read
KLL - WA - read
livrecache - Vic - read
shazamay - NSW - read
FreePages - ACT - read
briz-cowgirl - Qld - read
luckaye - Qld - the book is here!
tqd - NSW
dolphin-au - NSW
bookseekerAT - NSW
Released 15 yrs ago (12/1/2008 UTC) at
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It's on its way!
It's on its way!
Arrived today, I have one and a half bookrings before it, but all are small books so shouldn't take too long to get to it
I really enjoyed this novella, I had never heard of the idea of 'passing' before this. I will be getting a copy for a friend for Christmas who always reads African-American books to show a different side of life - if I can find it in the next few days!
Journal Entry 10 by katrinat at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (12/30/2008 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
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Poste on its way. Thanks for sharing x
Poste on its way. Thanks for sharing x
Journal Entry 11 by perfect-circle from Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Friday, January 2, 2009
Arrived safely today. I'm halfway through a shortish book at the moment but this is next on the tbr pile. Thanks katrinat for sending it on and lakelady2282 for starting the ring.
Journal Entry 12 by perfect-circle from Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Monday, January 5, 2009
'Passing' isn't something I'm familiar with but this book seemed to convey a lot about it in such a short space. It's a wonderfully-written book, the characters are so well written and I shall also be looking out for Quicksand.
Thank you lakelady2282 for sharing. I have WigglyWoods' address and I'll be posting this on in the next couple of days.
Thank you lakelady2282 for sharing. I have WigglyWoods' address and I'll be posting this on in the next couple of days.
Journal Entry 13 by perfect-circle at book ring/ray, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (1/6/2009 UTC) at book ring/ray, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases
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Posted to wigglywoods
Posted to wigglywoods
Arrived safely this morning from perfect-circle, many thanks and thanks to lakelady for starting the ring off. I have one ray to read before this and will read it straight afterwards.
Journal Entry 15 by WigglyWoods from Chorley, Lancashire United Kingdom on Tuesday, January 13, 2009
What an excellent, informative and wonderfully descriptive little book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this today and will be posting on to Caroley at the weekend. I will certainly read Quicksand if I happen across it.
Journal Entry 16 by WigglyWoods at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (1/15/2009 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
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Posting on to Caroley.
Posting on to Caroley.
Journal Entry 17 by Caroley from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Arrived safely today.
Thanks Wigglywoods for sending it on and thanks to Lakelady for starting the ring.
I'll be starting it asap.
Thanks Wigglywoods for sending it on and thanks to Lakelady for starting the ring.
I'll be starting it asap.
Journal Entry 18 by Caroley from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, January 22, 2009
What a smashing little book. I hadn't heard of 'Passing' before and found that quite interesting with the attitudes of the different women.
I thought it ended quite abruptly. I was left wanting to read more.
I'll be posting this on tomorrow.
I thought it ended quite abruptly. I was left wanting to read more.
I'll be posting this on tomorrow.
Journal Entry 19 by Caroley at Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, January 24, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (1/23/2009 UTC) at Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom
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Posted to Brunton11
Posted to Brunton11
Arrived today - Thanks all for sharing.
I found the subject of the book very interesting but couldn't really get to grips with the style or engage with any of the characters. Still it's good to try new authors and it's another off the 1001 BTRBYD list.
Waiting for confirmation of garibaldisghost's address - Once I have this I will get the book in the post to him. Thanks all for sharing.
Waiting for confirmation of garibaldisghost's address - Once I have this I will get the book in the post to him. Thanks all for sharing.
Posted to Garibaldisghost today.
Journal Entry 23 by garibaldisghost from Nottingham, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom on Thursday, February 26, 2009
Safely arrived, ta.
Journal Entry 24 by garibaldisghost from Nottingham, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom on Thursday, March 5, 2009
An enjoyable book with somewhat unusual subject matter - 138th read out of the original 1001 for me.
Journal Entry 25 by garibaldisghost at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Thursday, March 5, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (3/5/2009 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
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On its way to the next person in the ring - enjoy!
On its way to the next person in the ring - enjoy!
Arrived over the weekend. Looks really, really good. I can't wait to start this one, but I have a couple of other rings ahead of it. Shouldn't take too long though.
10.03.09
Wow. I really, really liked this book. I will definitely be looking out for Nella Larsen's other novels. Thanks so much for sharing this one.
10.03.09
Wow. I really, really liked this book. I will definitely be looking out for Nella Larsen's other novels. Thanks so much for sharing this one.
Released 15 yrs ago (3/11/2009 UTC) at
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Sent to jessibud
Sent to jessibud
This book arrived today. I shold be finishing up my current book tonight so will begin this one right after. Thanks!
Journal Entry 29 by lakelady2282 from Lake Macquarie, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, March 26, 2009
Hi everyone, I am just butting in from jessibud to announce that one more bcer has been added for Canada. It is bookgirrl, a friend of jessibud's and she will keep the book moving quickly. I'd also like to mention that I have Quicksand to offer as a bookring.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/6820583
Please pm me to join. It is published with Passing but I believe this is the only way it is currently available and thanks must go to tabby-cat-owner for kindly posting it out to me.
I'm hoping this book will generate as much interest as Passing. Looking forward to hearing from you guys.
Debbie
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/6820583
Please pm me to join. It is published with Passing but I believe this is the only way it is currently available and thanks must go to tabby-cat-owner for kindly posting it out to me.
I'm hoping this book will generate as much interest as Passing. Looking forward to hearing from you guys.
Debbie
Finished this book last night, reading the last bit by flashlight, in fact, during Earth Hour! :-)
I had known about the concept of *passing* before but this is the first book I have ever read that dealt specifically with this subject. It was fascinating to experience it from the inside points of view of these 3 women. Larsen was, in my opinion, quite adept at conveying an undercurrent of edgy danger hovering, throughout the story.
Thanks, lakelady, for the opportunity to read this book. If you are making a list for *Quicksand*, please add me to it.
I will try to get this to bookgirrl today or in the next couple of days, at best.
I had known about the concept of *passing* before but this is the first book I have ever read that dealt specifically with this subject. It was fascinating to experience it from the inside points of view of these 3 women. Larsen was, in my opinion, quite adept at conveying an undercurrent of edgy danger hovering, throughout the story.
Thanks, lakelady, for the opportunity to read this book. If you are making a list for *Quicksand*, please add me to it.
I will try to get this to bookgirrl today or in the next couple of days, at best.
I am looking forward to reading THIS book! You could introduce this author to black high school students - role model, history lesson, etc. It's all good. Whether your heritage is Caribbean, American or African, it's black identity that is the main focus of the book. There are many more mixed-race Canadians now than in the 1920's and this book could be part of Black History Month (a tradition in Canada's school system). Some great discussions could come from this book. What is black? What does black mean? Should we get to the point where no one notices another person's skin colour, or do we celebrate our differences/ethnicity?
For a book 80 years old, this story felt very modern. The Harlem Renaissance period is also interesting. 'Should be studied in schools.
I just couldn't get through the longest introduction in any paperback I've ever read! (32 pages)
I am glad I got into this bookring.
Off to Cobalt-free next.
I just couldn't get through the longest introduction in any paperback I've ever read! (32 pages)
I am glad I got into this bookring.
Off to Cobalt-free next.
There is no one in Bookcrossing named cobalt-free. That is the next name on the list. I tried it every which-way, (as is, with Caps, no hyphen, one word, etc., etc) "No one by that name, please try again"
Shall I go to the next name: lauraloo29 - ? Advice please?
Thanks from Bookgirrl.
Shall I go to the next name: lauraloo29 - ? Advice please?
Thanks from Bookgirrl.
Oh boy! I need to clean my glasses....I thought I was sending this book to Cobalt-free, but the name is Cobalt-Tree! Thx Caroley for setting me straight.
'Just waiting for mailing address from Cobalt-Tree.....
'Just waiting for mailing address from Cobalt-Tree.....
I never heard back from Cobalt-Tree, so I will send the book to the next person on the list - lauraloo29.
So....Lauraloo, should Cobalt-Tree contact me, I'll let you know, and we can send it to her after you've read it.
Off to Edmonton in the mail!
So....Lauraloo, should Cobalt-Tree contact me, I'll let you know, and we can send it to her after you've read it.
Off to Edmonton in the mail!
Arrived today. Along with another bookring. I have a few here at the moment. I am keeping them moving. :)
An interesting read. Not my usual type and for 114 pages of actual story, it was slow going for me. Interesting.
This book will continue its journey this weekend. Thank you for sharing.
This book will continue its journey this weekend. Thank you for sharing.
Journal Entry 38 by BookBirds from Somewhere in the USA, -- Wild Released somewhere in USA -- USA on Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Got this today! It will be the next one I read. thanks so much for sharing, lakelady and for sending, lauraloo!
Journal Entry 39 by BookBirds from Somewhere in the USA, -- Wild Released somewhere in USA -- USA on Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Another book about a Clare living in Chicago (just finished The Time Traveler's Wife). I found this very worthy of being on the '1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die' list!! I can only imagine how essential and important this book was when it was written... very eye opening to a lot of people. Also, I must add that I really don't like reading introductions before reading a book, as it gives too many (or all in this case) of the plot points away. I suggest reading the intro after reading the novel itself!! thanks so much for sharing!
It may be a month or so before I can mail this.
It may be a month or so before I can mail this.
Journal Entry 40 by BookBirds at Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Friday, June 26, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (6/26/2009 UTC) at Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
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Sent today! Enjoy!
Sent today! Enjoy!
Received in the mail today. Thanks! I have a couple in front of this but hope to get to it soon.
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.
I have sent a PM to the next reader and will mail this out as soon as I get an address. Thanks again for including me in this bookray!
Journal Entry 43 by 
perryfran
at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Sunday, August 9, 2009
perryfran at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Sunday, August 9, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (8/9/2009 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
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Off to KLL in Australia to continue this bookray. Enjoy!
Off to KLL in Australia to continue this bookray. Enjoy!
Received in the post today! Thanks to perryfran for sending. I have a couple of other bookrings to get through before this, but I'll put it next in line after those.
Really glad to have read this book. It gives such an interesting insight into a time and place that I have very little idea about. I'd also like to read 'Quicksand' now, and will keep my eye out for it.
Just a word of warning though - the introduction has a MASSIVE SPOILER IN IT! So while it was very informative and gave some great information about Nella Larsen and the world she lived in, I'd recommend reading it after the story...
Will PM livrecache now and get this moving again. Thanks to lakelady2282 for organising and to perryfran for mailing it to me!!!
Just a word of warning though - the introduction has a MASSIVE SPOILER IN IT! So while it was very informative and gave some great information about Nella Larsen and the world she lived in, I'd recommend reading it after the story...
Will PM livrecache now and get this moving again. Thanks to lakelady2282 for organising and to perryfran for mailing it to me!!!
KLL, after reading your spoiler warning....I realize how lucky I was not reading the intro. It looked too long, so I passed on it!
This books has passed safely to me now. I have a couple of rings in front of it, but as it's slim, I might sneak it up the list.
I was fascinated by this book! Without reading others' JEs, I read the introduction afterwards, as I feel that's sometimes more helpful, as you know what's being talked about (and no danger of spoilers). Actually, I've still to finish it. I guess I like to work out themes and so on for myself, and then see what an introduction says – one of the reasons I rarely read JEs until after I've read a book.
I had no knowledge of the concept of 'passing', and as somebody else noted it brings up all sorts of issues pertaining to race and humanity. It's made me keen to read more about the subject.
I found the ambiguity of the ending interesting, slightly frustrating, but good as it provoked further thought.
I had no knowledge of the concept of 'passing', and as somebody else noted it brings up all sorts of issues pertaining to race and humanity. It's made me keen to read more about the subject.
I found the ambiguity of the ending interesting, slightly frustrating, but good as it provoked further thought.
Journal Entry 49 by lakelady2282 from Lake Macquarie, New South Wales Australia on Friday, October 23, 2009
Just popping my head in to remind later journallers that I am also running the bookring for Quicksand, Larsen's more biographical first novel. It is just as intriguing as Passing and deals with similar themes in a different storyline. It is also a 1001.
I'd be happy to join Quicksand ring.
I'll be sending the book to shazamay within the next day or so.
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On its way to another bookcrosser. I hope you enjoy it.
On its way to another bookcrosser. I hope you enjoy it.
Journal Entry 53 by shazamay from Newcastle, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, November 11, 2009
This book was posted to me by livrecache - many thanks
Thanks for sending to me livrecache. I really enjoyed this little book, very descriptive, I could really see the characters. As has been mentioned before, there is a long, long, long intro. I would have preferred half of it at the end of the book as it does give away the ending. The story does end rather abrubtly, I would have liked a little more as I was enjoying it. As soon as I have FreePages address I will be sending on.
Journal Entry 55 by FreePages from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Friday, November 27, 2009
The Book has passed through the post to Canberra.
Thanks shazamay for passing it to me and everyone else who passed it on before her.
Being a small book, I'll bump it up the bookring queue that I have here at the moment.
:-)
Thanks shazamay for passing it to me and everyone else who passed it on before her.
Being a small book, I'll bump it up the bookring queue that I have here at the moment.
:-)
Journal Entry 56 by FreePages from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Wednesday, December 9, 2009
December seems to be a slow reading month for me, it took me a while to find the time to read this one.
"Passing" is another worthy addition to the 1001 book list. An interesting take on racial identity. I'm another reader who had never heard of the concept of "Passing" before.
I thought Irene's feelings were very well explored, although I would have like Claires character to be more fleshed out, I thought that, for someone who was living a lie, she was depicted as being too two dimensional.
The introduction was interesting but I really should have read it at the end. I agree with shazamay, some of these Penguin Classic editions should have epilogues rather than introductions. The Intros can give too much of the story away.
*Spoiler Warning*
Earlier today I was reading something about Sally Morgan's "My Place", An Australian classic, about how she grew up thinking her heritage was Indian and at 15 she discovered her family was part aboriginal. I'm sure Passing at some stage or another has happened in many parts of the world.
Thanks for the opportunity to read it ladylake. Very much appreciated. I really would not have read it but for this being offered as a 1001 book list bookring.
I've PMed the next in line for her address and hope to have the book in the mail again soon.
122 Pages. Included in that was 7 pages of Explanatory notes. In addition there was 35 Pages of an Introduction.
"Passing" is another worthy addition to the 1001 book list. An interesting take on racial identity. I'm another reader who had never heard of the concept of "Passing" before.
I thought Irene's feelings were very well explored, although I would have like Claires character to be more fleshed out, I thought that, for someone who was living a lie, she was depicted as being too two dimensional.
The introduction was interesting but I really should have read it at the end. I agree with shazamay, some of these Penguin Classic editions should have epilogues rather than introductions. The Intros can give too much of the story away.
*Spoiler Warning*
Earlier today I was reading something about Sally Morgan's "My Place", An Australian classic, about how she grew up thinking her heritage was Indian and at 15 she discovered her family was part aboriginal. I'm sure Passing at some stage or another has happened in many parts of the world.
Thanks for the opportunity to read it ladylake. Very much appreciated. I really would not have read it but for this being offered as a 1001 book list bookring.
I've PMed the next in line for her address and hope to have the book in the mail again soon.
122 Pages. Included in that was 7 pages of Explanatory notes. In addition there was 35 Pages of an Introduction.
Journal Entry 57 by FreePages at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (12/9/2009 UTC) at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia
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CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES: Passing "Passing" through the post to briz-cowgirl today.
Enjoy
:-)
Totally agree! If intros hadn't been so long, I would have read them - instead, I just read the book and browsed thru the intros after.
This book needs a big bright "SPOILER" warning on the cover.
This book needs a big bright "SPOILER" warning on the cover.
Received from FreePages today, many thanks! I am struggling with another "1001" list book at the moment, so I will put it aside to tackle this (much shorter!) book instead. Looks interesting.
ADDIT 17.12.09
Finished this morning. Thanks everyone for the warnings about the introduction; I delved into the story first and read the intro last. Fast-paced story; I enjoyed it more than I expected. I do wonder what paths Clare and Irene's lives would have taken had things ended differently. Thanks for hosting this bookring lakelady2282. Will be sending on to luckaye shortly.
ADDIT 17.12.09
Finished this morning. Thanks everyone for the warnings about the introduction; I delved into the story first and read the intro last. Fast-paced story; I enjoyed it more than I expected. I do wonder what paths Clare and Irene's lives would have taken had things ended differently. Thanks for hosting this bookring lakelady2282. Will be sending on to luckaye shortly.
Journal Entry 60 by briz-cowgirl at Brisbane, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, December 20, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (12/21/2009 UTC) at Brisbane, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
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Heading off to luckaye, just before Christmas!
Heading off to luckaye, just before Christmas!
Arrived today as I was laying on my bed reading, so I opened the package and started reading the introduction - gosh it seemed to go on forever and revealed the ending! Oh well, I sometimes read the last few pages first anyway and read the book to find out how they ended up there, so it doesn't make too much difference to me.
I hadn't really heard of the concept of passing, having grown up in a multi-cultural society where, as a 7th generation Aussie, I was the minority LOL In fact I was the only one with Australian-born parents in my class most of the way in high school and that seemed quite normal to me.
Anyway, I look forward to reading this book over the next few days and sending it onto the next person.
I hadn't really heard of the concept of passing, having grown up in a multi-cultural society where, as a 7th generation Aussie, I was the minority LOL In fact I was the only one with Australian-born parents in my class most of the way in high school and that seemed quite normal to me.
Anyway, I look forward to reading this book over the next few days and sending it onto the next person.
So sorry for the delay - had a trip down to Melbourne to see my father in hospital and forgot to pack this book. Anyway, home again now and I read the book in one day. It was a very interesting read and a bit of a surprise ending. Although I knew what happened, thanks to the intoduction, I didn't know how and that was the surprise.
Just waiting for an address for sending on to tqd.
Just waiting for an address for sending on to tqd.
Journal Entry 63 by luckaye at -- Controlled Releases --, Queensland Australia on Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Released 14 yrs ago (1/20/2010 UTC) at -- Controlled Releases --, Queensland Australia
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onwards to tqd!
onwards to tqd!
Thanks, luckaye! Turned up safe and sound today, I'll add it to the bookring stack. (Which is actually shrinking faster than it's growing, for a change!)
Well, I thought this was quite a fascinating novel.
I particularly liked the atmosphere of the society during the "Harlem Renaissance". I wasn't even aware before reading this book that there had been such a moment in time. And I feel that this book is very much a product of its time. Not that this is a bad thing: I feel that it's refreshingly free of any angst or overly-wordiness that I am somehow associating with modern black American literature. (Hello, Toni Morrison. Although I love her novels, they are quite an emotional drain by the end.) It's just accepting of black American society, and free of any stereotype I can think of that I can see on American TV.
The plot is also interesting, with pale-skinned Clare married to a white racist, who has no idea of her past or heritage. And, of course, being married to such a man means that Clare has had to turn her back on these things as well. The narration by her old friend, Irene, is very well done. Irene, of course, is emotionally involved in the story, so makes a wonderfully unreliable narrator. How much of the story is true, and how much is from 'Rene's worried imagination? We will never know, which makes it a great book to return to.
I have dolphin-au's address already, and will get this in the post to him asap. Thanks for the bookring, lakelady2282!
I particularly liked the atmosphere of the society during the "Harlem Renaissance". I wasn't even aware before reading this book that there had been such a moment in time. And I feel that this book is very much a product of its time. Not that this is a bad thing: I feel that it's refreshingly free of any angst or overly-wordiness that I am somehow associating with modern black American literature. (Hello, Toni Morrison. Although I love her novels, they are quite an emotional drain by the end.) It's just accepting of black American society, and free of any stereotype I can think of that I can see on American TV.
The plot is also interesting, with pale-skinned Clare married to a white racist, who has no idea of her past or heritage. And, of course, being married to such a man means that Clare has had to turn her back on these things as well. The narration by her old friend, Irene, is very well done. Irene, of course, is emotionally involved in the story, so makes a wonderfully unreliable narrator. How much of the story is true, and how much is from 'Rene's worried imagination? We will never know, which makes it a great book to return to.
I have dolphin-au's address already, and will get this in the post to him asap. Thanks for the bookring, lakelady2282!
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And in the post to dolphin-au today.
Happy reading!
And in the post to dolphin-au today.
Happy reading!
Journal Entry 67 by dolphin-au from Lake Macquarie, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Arrived safely today. It shouldn't be too long before I get to this, I hope. I've got a few other books going at the moment as well, but should have some time to read this soon.
Just a SPOILER WARNING to Dolphin-Au: The story is given away in the (very loooooong) intro. I am glad it was too long for me to read!
For me personally it is hard to understand why race plays such an important part in people's lives. Racial background is in my opinion one of the least important characteristics of any person. I realise that was not always so, and it is amazing realsising how recently this was one of the main issues, and that it could be such a determining factor in your life.
The protagonists of this book consider race to be an important issue as well, and identify as being coloured. Maybe it is a luxury position not to see race as part of your identity.
I did enjoy reading the book, but more for the subject matter than for 'literary' qualities. I found it actually hard to identify with any of the main characters. They were strangely remote.
This was # 264 of the original 1001 for me, only 737 to go!
Thanks for the warning not to read the introduction first!
I'll contact the next (last) participant and will send the book on asap.
The protagonists of this book consider race to be an important issue as well, and identify as being coloured. Maybe it is a luxury position not to see race as part of your identity.
I did enjoy reading the book, but more for the subject matter than for 'literary' qualities. I found it actually hard to identify with any of the main characters. They were strangely remote.
This was # 264 of the original 1001 for me, only 737 to go!
Thanks for the warning not to read the introduction first!
I'll contact the next (last) participant and will send the book on asap.
Released 13 yrs ago (6/22/2010 UTC) at Bellingen, New South Wales Australia
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent on to BookseekerAT. Enjoy!
Received in the mail late last week. Looking forward to reading. Thanks.
Journal Entry 72 by bookseekerAT at Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Saturday, December 1, 2012
this book has been sitting neglected on my bookshelf for an embarrassingly long period, then once rediscovered, quickly made its way to the top of my TBR pile, and because of its size was perfect to take with me on an interstate flight this week.
Thanks to earlier readers for the warning about the intro notes, which I duly skipped. Loved the novel and so glad to have read it. Passing not a new concept to me, and as noted by FreePages, happens in other cultures as well. Fascinating insight into the issue of racial identity from different perspectives.
As I am the last on the list, I will offer through the 1001 OzVBB going at the moment. Thanks davemurray101 for sharing and lakelady2282 for starting the bookring
Thanks to earlier readers for the warning about the intro notes, which I duly skipped. Loved the novel and so glad to have read it. Passing not a new concept to me, and as noted by FreePages, happens in other cultures as well. Fascinating insight into the issue of racial identity from different perspectives.
As I am the last on the list, I will offer through the 1001 OzVBB going at the moment. Thanks davemurray101 for sharing and lakelady2282 for starting the bookring
