The New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2021
The New York Times Book Review Best Historical Fiction of 2021
Washington Post Best Books of 2021: 50 Notable Works of Fiction
TIME 100 Must-Read Books of 2021

The critically acclaimed and Whiting Award-winning author of We Love You, Charlie Freeman returns with Libertie, an unforgettable story about one young Black girl's attempt to find a place where she can be fully, and only, herself.

Coming of age in a free Black community in Reconstruction-era Brooklyn, Libertie Sampson is all too aware that her purposeful mother, a practicing physician, has a vision for their future together: Libertie is to go to medical school and practice alongside her. But Libertie, drawn more to music than science, feels stifled by her mother's choices and is hungry for something else--is there really only one way to have an autonomous life? And she is constantly reminded that, unlike her light-skinned mother, Libertie will not be able to pass for white. When a young man from Haiti proposes to Libertie and promises she will be his equal on the island, she accepts, only to discover that she is still subordinate to him and all men. As she tries to parse what freedom actually means for a Black woman, Libertie struggles with where she might find it--for herself and for generations to come.

Inspired by the life of one of the first Black female doctors in the United States and rich with historical detail, Kaitlyn Greenidge's new and immersive novel will resonate with readers eager to understand our present through a deep, moving, and lyrical dive into our past.

"An elegantly layered, beautifully rendered tour de force that is not to be missed."
--Roxane Gay, author of Hunger

Conditions may vary on used items. Used items may not come with all original accompanying content, such as access codes or other bonus items included in the original packaging, unless otherwise specified.

Prices online may differ from those in stores. In-store prices are varied and based on condition and availability.

Item # 9300008

Publisher: Algonquin Books

ISBN: 9781616207014

Binding: Hardcover

Author: Greenidge, Kaitlyn

Audience Type: Adults

Published On: 03-30-2021

Pages: 336

Weight: 1.10 pounds

Dimensions: 9.10 x 5.90 x 1.40 inches