Passing by Nella Larsen

The novel follows Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry, two childhood friends who reconnect as adults. While both women are of mixed racial heritage, their life choices diverge dramatically—Clare ""passes"" as white to gain access to a privileged world, while Irene embraces her identity within the Black community. As their lives intertwine, tensions rise, exposing the risks and consequences of Clare’s decision and challenging Irene’s carefully constructed world.