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Libertie
by Kaitlyn Greenridge
Published Profile Books
ISBN 9781788169011
Set in Brooklyn after the Civil War, the story is about freedom of body, spirit and forgiveness. It begins with a young Black girl called Libertie, so named because she was free-born and not enslaved. It was the name her late father wanted to call her which her mother honoured after his death.
Libertie’s mother is a doctor, the first Black doctor. At the age of 14 Libertie becomes apprenticed to her mother and learns about healing through medicine, plants and her mother's medical books. She tends to the healing plants in their garden at home and tries out some of the plants herself to her temporary detriment in an effort to gain attention from her mother that is not work related.
Ever present in her mind is that they fail to save a man, Ben. He becomes known as Ben Daisy because of his obsession, love and rambling for his lost love Daisy. Heartbroken Ben Daisy’s longing for Daisy ends when he eventually drowns himself believing that Daisy lives in the river.
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The story deals with the issues of race numerous times in the book. Not only race but skin colour too. Libertie says her mother could pass for White. Indeed, her mother was admitted to medical school as it was thought she was White although she had never hidden her race. Kaitlyn Greenidge writes about the attitudes of the community, the cultural differences and their reaction to Libertie, who was far darker than her mother.
Libertie is expected to continue her medical studies. Her mother has plans and dreams for them to continue their much needed work in the community. Especially after her mother opens a hospital for all races. She goes to college at her mother’s urging. She boards with a family, a kindly mother who runs a laundry business from the home, their children and a stoic husband.
‘Libertie’ is a delight to read, thoughtfully written, a good book to sink into, with all the nuances of race, expectations, relationships, disappointments and life at the time.
Kaitlyn Greenidge structures the novel in sections, with significant plots. She writes about the founding of the hospital, the death of a patient and Ben Daisy’s mental health situation. She covers Libertie’s travelling to, and her life in, college. The meeting of the Graces as Libertie calls them, who become her lifelong friends and the influence upon her. The realisation she doesn't want to become a doctor and would prefer a career in music. Greenidge also describes Libertie's meeting Emmanuel Chase, who changes the course of her life, much to her mother's chagrin.
While Libertie is in college, Emmanuel Chase arrives from Haiti to work under the guidance of her mother. She reads letters from her mother speckled with news about this unknown Emmanuel and finds herself becoming quite jealous.
The spectrum of the word “Colored” is raised and worth noting that it appears quite frequently throughout the book. Eventually Libertie marries Emmanuel Chase and they move to Haiti. However, it does not go as smoothly as they both hoped. His family are surprised when turns up with his new bride. He has not revealed significant aspects of his life that affect their relationship, and the pressures of an unwelcoming family, play heavily on their love and her freedom.
We also read aspects of life, the kreyol language and customs in Haiti, most interesting.
Highly recommended.
This is Kate Greenidge's second novel and after reading Libertie I will look for her first one. She is a contributing writer for The New York Times, and her writing has also appeared in Vogue, Glamour, Wall Street Journal.
While Libertie is in college, Emmanuel Chase arrives from Haiti to work under the guidance of her mother. She reads letters from her mother speckled with news about this unknown Emmanuel and finds herself becoming quite jealous.
The spectrum of the word “Colored” is raised and worth noting that it appears quite frequently throughout the book. Eventually Libertie marries Emmanuel Chase and they move to Haiti. However, it does not go as smoothly as they both hoped. His family are surprised when turns up with his new bride. He has not revealed significant aspects of his life that affect their relationship, and the pressures of an unwelcoming family, play heavily on their love and her freedom.
We also read aspects of life, the kreyol language and customs in Haiti, most interesting.
Highly recommended.
This is Kate Greenidge's second novel and after reading Libertie I will look for her first one. She is a contributing writer for The New York Times, and her writing has also appeared in Vogue, Glamour, Wall Street Journal.
This is independent review, I am not paid by the publishers, so.If you Liked this review, Buy me a coffee
