savannahroder's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
3.5
omardfoda's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ipask's review
4.0
Vivid writing, a clear and bright protagonist, and entry into an era of history too often passed over. This novel is both magical and intensely real, full of mystery and very true pain.
cyndqls's review
3.0
3.5!
Libertie is a beautifully written novel, and I thought Greenidge did a wonderful job with crafting her characters. I found that the pacing didn't quite work for me, and there were times I was not quite sure where the book was going to go. Furthermore, historical fiction, especially literary historical fiction, does not often capture my attention in the way that other genres do (I prefer historical fiction blended with fantasy with established magic systems). Still, I think that this was a thought provoking and interesting novel.
Libertie is a beautifully written novel, and I thought Greenidge did a wonderful job with crafting her characters. I found that the pacing didn't quite work for me, and there were times I was not quite sure where the book was going to go. Furthermore, historical fiction, especially literary historical fiction, does not often capture my attention in the way that other genres do (I prefer historical fiction blended with fantasy with established magic systems). Still, I think that this was a thought provoking and interesting novel.
kaayycee's review against another edition
3.5
first off, this audio production by Channie Waites was incredible! she had character, dialogue, emotion all nailed down expertly. i had a great time listening. i think the content of the book was really interesting – moving through different perspectives of being a black individual in the mid-19th century Americas and the different ways people balanced survival with justice, love, and family. the book felt as if it were in different parts, telling different stories and on one hand i appreciate how Greenidge acknowleded the different chapters one's life takes. however, it felt disjointed and jumpy as a complete work. maybe for this reason made for an even better audio experience to step into when i could!
vyaivo's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
thain's review
4.0
This mother-daughter drama in a mid-19th century free Black community gets off to a strong start. Libertie is at first in awe of her mother, one of the first Black female physicians, who appears to bring a dead man back to life. But things take a turn after Dr. Sampson is unable to cure the man, who is a runaway slave, of his mental anguish. This section was especially powerful, particularly the imagery of the man’s lost love, “the woman in the water,” which resonates throughout the story.
Libertie is expected to become a doctor too, but she resents her light-skinned mother for agreeing to treat white women who look at her dark-skinned daughter with disgust. She neglects her studies and becomes interested in music – or rather, she becomes fixated on a singing duo, in what I felt was the weakest part of the story. There follows a hasty marriage to another doctor and a move to his family home in Haiti, where she faces challenges including estrangement from her mother.
This is a thought-provoking novel that addresses racism, colorism, sexism, and what it means to be free. Libertie is a complex character with perhaps a tendency to overthink things. If I’m honest, I think I would have preferred a story focused on her mother, with all her flaws.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.
Libertie is expected to become a doctor too, but she resents her light-skinned mother for agreeing to treat white women who look at her dark-skinned daughter with disgust. She neglects her studies and becomes interested in music – or rather, she becomes fixated on a singing duo, in what I felt was the weakest part of the story. There follows a hasty marriage to another doctor and a move to his family home in Haiti, where she faces challenges including estrangement from her mother.
This is a thought-provoking novel that addresses racism, colorism, sexism, and what it means to be free. Libertie is a complex character with perhaps a tendency to overthink things. If I’m honest, I think I would have preferred a story focused on her mother, with all her flaws.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.
megnolia13's review
2.0
*sigh* I’m so tired of wanting to really like a book and then just being like “why was this even published?” The author gives beautiful descriptions. I can even get on board with her language style, the flow and voice. But good lord is this book lacking in plot and movement. It was completely aimless with a touch of depressing and then very rushed at the end for no real catalyst or purpose, but just in a last ditch attempt to seem intentional.
tiffhutch's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
joannemiro1948's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25