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Though her career was cut short by unproven accusations of plagiarism, Nella Larsen left behind a small but impressive legacy of two novels and three short stories. In memory of such an incredible writer, born on April 13th 1891, here’s a selection of her work we recommend reading.
1. Passing
1929 (Penguin Little clothbound classics, 2022)
Passing tells the story of childhood friends Irene and Clare who, through a chance encounter, reunite as adults. But things have changed for the two girls. Though both mixed race, Clare has married a white man who doesn’t know she’s passing. As the two become more involved in each other’s lives, the novella barrels towards its fantastic conclusion.
In recent years, Larsen’s 1929 novella’s notoriety has soared thanks to Rebecca Hall’s 2021 adaptation, but the book remains superior. Writing in the Guardian, Caroline O’Donoghue called it “one of those books you’re either obsessed with, or have never heard of”.
2. Quicksand
1928 (VINTAGE CLASSICS’ HARLEM RENAISSANCE SERIES, 2022)
Larsen’s first, but less well-known novella, Quicksand follows Helga Crane as she struggles with what it means to be a biracial Danish-American in the 1920s. Following Helga from Harlem, to Chicago, to Copenhagen, Larsen’s semi-autobiographical novella provides a stirring account of America as experienced by Black Americans and is an important work of the Harlem Renaissance.
3. The Wrong Man
1926 (postcard press, 2023)
Last but not least on our list is one of a handful of stories Larsen wrote in the 1920s and 30s. Taking place at a Jazz party, the story follows Julia Romley as she encounters a man who knows a secret that could ruin her matrimonial bliss. It’s a short but sweet story that introduces the psychological drama of her later, more celebrated work.
