A review by thain
Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge

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.