Passing

Exploring themes of race and identity, the story follows childhood friends Clare and Irene, whose lives diverge after Clare's father's death. Clare, passing as white and marrying a racist, contrasts sharply with Irene, who embraces her Black identity and advocates for racial uplift. Their reunion reveals the complexities of their choices, as both women are drawn to each other's contrasting lives. The novel's ambiguous ending and its portrayal of racial and sexual nuances have led to its resurgence in academic discussions, solidifying its status in American literature.