House Behind the Cedars is a beautifully written novel that explores themes of identity, racial passing, and the complexities of race relations in the American South during the Reconstruction era. The story follows the journey of Rena, a young woman of mixed-race heritage who tries to navigate the challenges of living in a society that enforces rigid racial boundaries.

Charles W. Chesnutt's writing is elegant and thought-provoking, as he delves into the inner turmoil and external pressures faced by his characters. The novel is both engaging and poignant, offering a nuanced depiction of the racial dynamics of the time.

One of the strengths of House Behind the Cedars is Chesnutt's ability to create complex and multidimensional characters, who grapple with their own identities and place in society. Rena, in particular, is a compelling protagonist whose struggles and triumphs resonate with readers long after the book is finished.

Overall, House Behind the Cedars is a powerful and timely read that continues to be relevant in today's discussions on race and identity. Chesnutt's skillful storytelling and insightful exploration of race relations make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in American literature and history.

Book Description:
In this, Chesnutt's first novel, he tells the tragic story of love set against a backdrop of racism, miscegenation and “passing” during the period spanning the antebellum and reconstruction eras in American history. And through his use of the vernacular prevalent in the South of that time, Chesnutt lent a compassionate voice to a group that America did not want to hear. More broadly, however, Chesnutt illustrated, in this character play, the vast and perhaps insurmountable debt this country continues to pay for the sins of slavery.