Marilyn: A Novel of Passing, Studies in German Literature, Linguistics, and Culture, 231 Marilyn, a novel by Austrian writer Arthur Rundt, offers a unique perspective on racial attitudes in the United States during the Harlem Renaissance and Jim Crow era, with striking relevance to contemporary social movements such as Black Lives Matter and MeToo. The story follows the life of a mixed-race woman named Marilyn who passes as white, moving from Chicago to New York City and ultimately meeting a tragic end on a Caribbean island. First published in 1928 and now translated into English, this powerful novel sheds light on the continued injustices faced by Black people in America due to structural racism, while also exploring issues of migration and hybrid identities. The novel's protagonist, Marilyn, experiences the harsh realities of racial discrimination and the patriarchy, making it relevant to Women's Studies. Through her journey, the book highlights the need for diversity and inclusion in German studies, and the importance of integrating the discipline into broader humanities. The introduction and afterword, both extensive and scholarly, provide historical context and situate the novel within its time and our own.

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