49 pages • 1 hour read
Libertie
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
New York • 1860s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge is about Libertie Sampson, an 11-year-old African American girl in post-Civil War New York, navigating life under her widowed mother Cathy, a pioneering Black doctor. As Cathy assists escaped slaves, tensions rise when a failed medical experiment leads to local backlash. Amidst personal and societal upheaval, Libertie faces challenges pursuing her education and identity, eventually leading her to Haiti with her husband Emmanuel, where she confronts cultural and personal disillusionments. Suicidal behavior and experiences of sexual abuse appear in the book.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
16,692 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Kaitlyn Greenidge's Libertie is widely praised for its rich historical detail and complex characters, offering an evocative exploration of race and freedom. However, some readers found the pacing uneven and the protagonist's development slow. Despite these issues, the novel remains a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Libertie?
A reader who would enjoy Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge is likely interested in historical fiction with strong, complex female protagonists. They would appreciate themes of racial identity, freedom, and self-discovery. Fans of The Color Purple by Alice Walker or Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi would find compelling parallels.
16,692 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Cathy Sampson
Cathy Sampson
An accomplished African American doctor who broke racial barriers to succeed in her profession. As Libertie's mother, she wishes for her daughter to follow in her footsteps, which creates tension in their relationship.
Emmanuel Chase
Emmanuel Chase
A light-skinned African American doctor from Haiti who marries Libertie. His character explores themes of race, gender, and societal roles, and his ambitions for Haiti challenge his relationship with Libertie.
Ben Daisy
Ben Daisy
An escaped slave carrying the trauma of his past, who struggles to find his place in a world of newfound freedom. His experiences reflect the lasting impact of slavery.
Ella Chase
Ella Chase
Emmanuel's twin sister who remains in Haiti, dealing with personal trauma from her past. Her life is marked by experiences of familial abuse and a fervent adherence to religion.
336
Novel • Fiction
New York • 1860s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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