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amittaizero's review
4.0
If you've read Nella Larsen's book "Passing" then think of this as a more rounded, vivid experience. I love Larsen but Fauset's book has the advantage of looking through the eyes of the "passer."
booksandquilts's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
matt315's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bowtiesandbookmarks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really wanted to like this one, but I’ll be honest, I was not a fan. This book was written in 1929, almost 100 years ago, and the language reflects that. In the end, I caught myself having to reread pages. This is a book I will want to read again in future to ensure I fully grasp the plot.
In further reflection, I have gained a new appreciation for this book. I would have loved to get more into her sister’s life, but obviously, this story is not about her, and I think her ultimately ending up with men who originally wanted Angela is enough for me.
In further reflection, I have gained a new appreciation for this book. I would have loved to get more into her sister’s life, but obviously, this story is not about her, and I think
kevinmccarrick's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
missapples's review
4.0
A young African-American woman moves to New York in the 1920s with two goals on her mind. First, she wants to become a celebrated artist. She is a self-described "nobody" but she is talented, ambitious and willing to work hard. Her second goal is to live the kind of life that is available to white people only. She looks white enough to "pass" for one so she does. She gets an apartment in the Village, enrolls in Art classes, alters her name to make is sound more exotic and promptly meets a very eligible bachelor. None of her new friends knows that she is black. Things seem to be going well, until she realizes that not everything in her new life is what it seems.
I enjoyed this book although I wouldn't place it on the same level as "Passing" by Nella Larsen, a novel that explores similar subject. I was frustrated with some unrealistic twists and turns that made the story seem at times melodramatic and a bit soap-ey. I also really, really wished the author hadn't taken the route of creating a woman whose life revolves around her relationships with men (the guy she ended up with was a complete joke, by the way). I got excited when for a minute there she was dating one of them to further her dreams of becoming rich and important - finally, acting like a real human being! Alas, that didn't last. So, here is an ambitious, smart and plucky woman, who wants to become a serious artist yet most of the book is focused on the men she meets and loses and finds again! It almost redeems itself at the very end, when she finally gets an important career break only to plunge into the "happily-ever-after" waters in the final pages.
I would still recommend it as it gives a glimpse of New York in 1920s. At the very height of Harlem Renaissance the city was incredibly fascinating.
I enjoyed this book although I wouldn't place it on the same level as "Passing" by Nella Larsen, a novel that explores similar subject. I was frustrated with some unrealistic twists and turns that made the story seem at times melodramatic and a bit soap-ey. I also really, really wished the author hadn't taken the route of creating a woman whose life revolves around her relationships with men (the guy she ended up with was a complete joke, by the way). I got excited when for a minute there she was dating one of them to further her dreams of becoming rich and important - finally, acting like a real human being! Alas, that didn't last. So, here is an ambitious, smart and plucky woman, who wants to become a serious artist yet most of the book is focused on the men she meets and loses and finds again! It almost redeems itself at the very end, when she finally gets an important career break only to plunge into the "happily-ever-after" waters in the final pages.
I would still recommend it as it gives a glimpse of New York in 1920s. At the very height of Harlem Renaissance the city was incredibly fascinating.
ryanpait's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
haleyashtonpowell's review
4.0
This book was frustrating, heartbreaking, triumphant, and dazzling at different points.
I'll leave a more thought-out review after my ENG460G class meeting on Tuesday, which I think will help organize my feelings. But what an unknown gem of the Harlem Renaissance this novel is.
I'll leave a more thought-out review after my ENG460G class meeting on Tuesday, which I think will help organize my feelings. But what an unknown gem of the Harlem Renaissance this novel is.