novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
RATING: 3.5 STARS
2021; Algonquin Books
I have had my eye on this book since I first heard about it from the publisher. The gorgeous cover had me approving this request without even reading the synopsis. At one of the virtual publisher luncheons I attended, Libertie was spotlighted. Learning that this story was based on two real life characters heightened my anticipation. I started reading this novel last week, and at first was so enthralled with the story, I savoured it slowly. I would reread sentences, and stop and imagine scenes in my mind. This is my first work by Greenidge and it is so well written, rich with details and characters akin to Toni Morrison's writing. I loved seeing the world through Libertie's eyes. How her light skin doctor mother saved lives and started to turn into a realistic women with flaws. Her awe of her mother's healing, making her want to her follow her footsteps, and then see the world as she steps into the academic world. When Libertie returns home after some time in school, the novel started to fall apart for me. Her time in Haiti soon was just a read and no longer an adventure. It is this reason I gave the novel 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. I wanted more of Brooklyn and her mother's story, and what becomes of them all. I felt like the ending of the novel, left me with more questions about everything. That could just be my nosy side of wanting clear cut answers. I also did not care for Emmanuel or his family, so maybe that's what made the latter half more of a chore. After reading this book, I will try anything by Greenidge, just for a taste of her words. For someone that loves lyrical prose writing, this was a good book. I would recommend this one because I think no matter what kind of reader goes into the story, they will leave it feeling like they gained something.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2021; Algonquin Books
I have had my eye on this book since I first heard about it from the publisher. The gorgeous cover had me approving this request without even reading the synopsis. At one of the virtual publisher luncheons I attended, Libertie was spotlighted. Learning that this story was based on two real life characters heightened my anticipation. I started reading this novel last week, and at first was so enthralled with the story, I savoured it slowly. I would reread sentences, and stop and imagine scenes in my mind. This is my first work by Greenidge and it is so well written, rich with details and characters akin to Toni Morrison's writing. I loved seeing the world through Libertie's eyes. How her light skin doctor mother saved lives and started to turn into a realistic women with flaws. Her awe of her mother's healing, making her want to her follow her footsteps, and then see the world as she steps into the academic world. When Libertie returns home after some time in school, the novel started to fall apart for me. Her time in Haiti soon was just a read and no longer an adventure. It is this reason I gave the novel 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. I wanted more of Brooklyn and her mother's story, and what becomes of them all. I felt like the ending of the novel, left me with more questions about everything. That could just be my nosy side of wanting clear cut answers. I also did not care for Emmanuel or his family, so maybe that's what made the latter half more of a chore. After reading this book, I will try anything by Greenidge, just for a taste of her words. For someone that loves lyrical prose writing, this was a good book. I would recommend this one because I think no matter what kind of reader goes into the story, they will leave it feeling like they gained something.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
ios_reads's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
***kind of spoiler near the end***
I kind of fell in love with this book. It’s raw. It brings up aspects of motherhood, growing up in our own skin, different levels of freedom and liberation but also trauma and pain, it was refreshing. I did not expect it to make me think as much as it. I feel it has given me a new perspective among liberation and “freedom” while also relating to Liberties feelings of moving from “home” to her new home, yet having to go back to Kings county to live with her mom. Some themes in the book include: War, Racial injustices, colorism, ethnic racism, motherhood, freedom, historical contexts, sex, imagery.
red_steele's review against another edition
3.0
1. True book rating 3.5 stars.
2. The voice actor Channie Waites provided a four star performance (her French accent can be improved).
3. This is the first book I read by Kaitlyn Greenidge. The author is talented and writes in a beautiful lyrical style. The book explores the topics of colorism, misogyny, racism, equality and religion.
4. The title of the book “Libertie” is fitting, because Greenidge explores the notion of what it means to possess true freedom.
5. Through the character Ben Daisy, the author illustrates how freedom from the shackles of slavery is not enough if the mind remains in bondage.
6. The relationship between Libertie and her mother Cathy, a practicing physician, is complex and multi-layered, and the true love story captured in the novel. Libertie was never given the freedom (by her mother) to explore life and find her true purpose and passion in life. At a young age, there was an expectation for Libertie to become a physician and join her mother’s practice. Because Libertie lived a “rudderless” existence, a chasm or void formed in her life which ultimately results in a marriage of desperation.
7. The ironic portion of the book is when Libertie married and moved with her husband to Haiti. Libertie thought she would be afforded a new life of true freedom and equality in Haiti compared to the United States, however that did not occur.
8. Overall I enjoyed this novel and look forward to future works by Kaitlyn Greenidge.
2. The voice actor Channie Waites provided a four star performance (her French accent can be improved).
3. This is the first book I read by Kaitlyn Greenidge. The author is talented and writes in a beautiful lyrical style. The book explores the topics of colorism, misogyny, racism, equality and religion.
4. The title of the book “Libertie” is fitting, because Greenidge explores the notion of what it means to possess true freedom.
5. Through the character Ben Daisy, the author illustrates how freedom from the shackles of slavery is not enough if the mind remains in bondage.
6. The relationship between Libertie and her mother Cathy, a practicing physician, is complex and multi-layered, and the true love story captured in the novel. Libertie was never given the freedom (by her mother) to explore life and find her true purpose and passion in life. At a young age, there was an expectation for Libertie to become a physician and join her mother’s practice. Because Libertie lived a “rudderless” existence, a chasm or void formed in her life which ultimately results in a marriage of desperation.
7. The ironic portion of the book is when Libertie married and moved with her husband to Haiti. Libertie thought she would be afforded a new life of true freedom and equality in Haiti compared to the United States, however that did not occur.
8. Overall I enjoyed this novel and look forward to future works by Kaitlyn Greenidge.
ferris_mx's review against another edition
3.0
Sadly, I didn't get it. I never fully comprehended the horror of the Haiti house, or why Emmanuel was not tolerable there, if Libertie indeed loved him.
martynahanna's review against another edition
3.0
I was captivated by Libertie’s journey towards her own inner liberation against the backdrop of complex themes, such as slavery, free Black Americans, colourism and passing. I enjoyed the magical realism element, as well as the intricacies of the troubled mother - daughter relationship.
tortillacat's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
3.0
aa_king's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-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? Yes
4.5
sarahjsnider's review against another edition
3.5
This novel deals with big issues, and it feels awkward to give it only 3.5. But I wonder if the sections about Libertie’s childhood could have been a bit shorter.
tylerbreading's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
myreadsgrf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
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
3.0