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A review by stephbakerbooks
Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge
challenging
reflective
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
This was a decent audiobook that at its core explores a mother-daughter relationship. The book follows Libertie, as she tries to live up to her mother's expectations even as she lives in a post-slavery America and is darker skinned than her mother, who can pass as white. I think the book was at its best when it was dealing with their interactions together, whether in person or through letters.
The book took a turn a little over halfway through, and the narrative moved to a new location and introduced a bunch of new characters—it was a little jarring, and I didn't find Libertie's relationships with these new characters as compelling as her relationship with her mom. And I couldn't get behind the love story. It was too sudden and Libertie's exact motivations were unclear.
That being said, I did like Libertie's overall character arc and development, but I just wanted more from some of the other characters. The plot was slow moving so I would have liked to be invested in more of the characters. I wanted the novel to be one thing, and it ended up being several things, which is definitely my own fault, so you should give this one a chance if the summary interests you! It's very well-written.
Thank you to Libro.fm, Recorded Books, and the author for my ALC.
The book took a turn a little over halfway through, and the narrative moved to a new location and introduced a bunch of new characters—it was a little jarring, and I didn't find Libertie's relationships with these new characters as compelling as her relationship with her mom. And I couldn't get behind the love story. It was too sudden and Libertie's exact motivations were unclear.
That being said, I did like Libertie's overall character arc and development, but I just wanted more from some of the other characters. The plot was slow moving so I would have liked to be invested in more of the characters. I wanted the novel to be one thing, and it ended up being several things, which is definitely my own fault, so you should give this one a chance if the summary interests you! It's very well-written.
Thank you to Libro.fm, Recorded Books, and the author for my ALC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Sexual assault, Slavery, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy