Passing Strange by Ellen Klages

Available Now

I had heard this title mentioned many times on various bookish podcasts and I’m so glad that I was able to finally get my hands on it. Passing Strange introduced me to a part of history I was unfamiliar with.  Set in 1940 San Francisco, six friends try to live their lives within the stifling confines of a society that was unwilling to accept same sex relationships, women’s rights, and was steeped in racism. At the center is a nightclub named Mona’s that allows a safer space for those who like to dress and perform in ways that feel more true to themselves.  But it’s not completely safe. Police raids that end in the beating and jailing of those who don’t abide by the “Three Article Rule,” or the wearing of at least three articles of female clothing are more common than not. It’s at Mona’s that Frannie meets Emily, a singer and performer, and invites her into the Circle, a group of like-minded women who meet regularly for dinner and drinks.  Also in the Circle are Babs, a math professor and partner to Frannie. Helen, a lawyer who pays her bills by dancing in nightclubs, and Haskel, a talented artist who creates iconic covers for pulp novels.  

What should be a storybook romance for Emily and Haskel turns into a dangerous run for their lives when a Haskel’s estranged husband returns after years away.  With the help of Frannie’s magical ability to create shortcuts on maps and Helen’s skill with the law, the six friends work together to try and save Emily and Haskel from the law.  

Passing Strange is a strange little novel.  There’s magical realism mixed with the pulp fiction references and jazz clubs.  I loved the descriptions of Mona’s-40’s dresses, costumes, make-up and performers on stage singing racy songs.  The scenes of Emily and Haskel trying to enjoy an evening out together but still having to be conscious of their movements so as not to let on that they were couple were heartbreaking.  It’s quite the privilege to not have to think about someone calling the law because you dared to hold your lover’s hand. Helen is legally married to her dance partner so she can move more freely within the world, but also because her husband is gay and needed some “respectability.” Oh, and interracial marriage is illegal.  Well.  

I really enjoyed this gritty story of love, loss, and a magical city.  If you’d like to give this one a try, you can get one here:

More from Ellen Klages:

More like Passing Strange (kind of, this was a really unique book):

As always, purchasing books through the links helps support the site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.