Larsen has an interesting premise that seems like it was very relevant to Black thought during the Harlem Renaissance and remains intriguing even today. the digital era and the recently established cultural cache of BIPOC identity to achieve certain ends have led to a time when passing now happens in both directions. Larsen hints at the possibility of this in her novel while still dismissing it as improbable at the time.

after establishing her premise and a very interesting central character in Clare, Larsen then fails to deliver any criticism or analysis. the themes are only dealt with topically and the majority of the book is Irene’s repetitive inner narrative. it's possible that Irene's shallow characterization is an intentional counterpoint to Clare’s vivaciousness and risk-taking but if so the contrast is not used effectively. in short, Passing reads as amateurish and boring. it seems destined to be fodder for mildly progressive English 101 classrooms where only the most obvious analyses are endorsed.