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rai's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I felt sorry for Liberté most of the story, even as she made some very selfish decisions. It's clear that the people around her didn't see her clearly but that's part of generational trauma that I hope she begins to heal with her children.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Slavery, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
thebakerbookworm's review against another edition
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: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Racism, Sexual assault, and Slavery
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