Passing

This book follows the lives of two childhood friends, one of whom 'passes' as white to marry a racist man. The other commits herself to racial uplift and marries a black doctor. The novel focuses on their reunion in later life and the unfolding of events as each woman is fascinated by the other's daring lifestyle. The story explores themes of racial and sexual ambiguity and has achieved canonical status in American universities. The ending is famous for its ambiguity, leaving readers questioning the fate of the characters.