Off the Shelf Book Club: Passing by Nella Larsen

Whether reading the provocative work of Richard Wright, seeing Zora Neale Hurston speak on multiple occasions, or working with friend, client, and writer Jean Toomer, Esherick maintained a deep interest in the work of Black writers during the Harlem Renaissance. Nella Larsen’s 1929 novella Passing explores questions of race, class, and sexuality through the complex friendship of Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield. We’ll discuss the compelling text, as well as Rebecca Hall’s recent film adaptation of the novella and look at special collections and archival materials related to Esherick’s interest in African American life and its representation in the Harlem Renaissance.

About the Book Club: Off the Shelf: The Wharton Esherick Museum Book Club is an in-person program at the Wharton Esherick Museum. We will hold meetings every six weeks, on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m.