Virtual Book Club: A Discussion of Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge

By Leslie Quan

Disclaimer: This article is not sponsored by Hoopla.

This summer, from June 4 through July 2, I participated in the Free Library of West Philadelphia's Instagram Virtual Book Club. I checked out Libertie as an ebook courtesy of Hoopla. Libertie is a coming-of-age tale about the daughter of one of the first Black female doctors in the U.S. who explores the meaning of freedom.

The description of how the book club works is provided by the Free Library of West Philadelphia's Instagram post: "Every Friday we'll discuss a chapter of Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge here on Instagram. Join the conversation by posting in the comments section." Below are my responses to the discussion questions for each chapter:

6/4 - Chapter 1 - Se pa tout blesi ki gerri: Not all wounds heal 1860

"Their bodies are here with us in emancipation, but their minds are not free." Discuss how this quote applies to Mr. Ben Daisy.

Ever since Mama helped set Mr. Ben "free," he has been talking about someone named Daisy, who we learn was Mr. Ben's love interest (who in fact had many lovers). While Mr. Ben was now physically free, his mind was still stuck in the past. No remedy that Mama cooked up was good enough to cure him of the ills of his mind. I think that the quote applies to Mr. Ben because, while he was finally free with his sister, his mind wasn't all there. He was lost in a distant memory that left him too far gone from his freedom.

6/11 - Chapter 2 - Sa ki bon avèc yon kè, sè ke li pa pote jijman: What's good about the heart is that it does not reason

When her mother begins treating white patients, Libertie perceives it as a betrayal. Discuss why Libertie feels so hurt by her mother's actions.

Libertie learns about the white people killing black people and leaving them to flee their homes and seek care and refuge with Mama. When the boat reached the dock, Libertie took the responsibility of holding a baby, who she refused to let go of. She felt responsible for carrying the weight of all the burdens of those who were killed and beaten (symbolized by the baby). So it's inevitable that Libertie would feel betrayed when her mother began treating white patients. White people are the ones causing the pain and suffering of black people, and for Libertie, it seems wrong to treat those who are inflicting harm on others who look like her.

6/18 - Chapter 3 - Se lè yon sous seche, moun konn valè dlo: It's when the spring goes dry that people appreciate the value of water

Discuss the notion of being "colorstruck." How does it manifest itself in the book? How have you seen this notion in present day?

This is the first time I have been introduced to the term "colorstruck," but I think that this can best be described in situations where Libertie is always greeted by comments of how dark she is. Also, whenever Libertie meets someone new, she always begins describing them by how either light or dark they are, which I find to be very interesting. I can definitely see how this plays out in present day society. Individuals who identify as black but are able to pass as white may experience a struggle with their identity. And I think when others are "colorstruck" by someone who identifies as black but doesn't appear to be so, it further adds to their struggle with identity (if that makes sense). Whether being colorstruck manifests itself inward or outward, I think this concept further contributes to discrimination outside of and within the black community.

6/25 - Chapter 4 - Di m' sa ou renmen, epi m'ava di ou ki moun ou ye: Tell me what you love and I will tell you who you are

"It is quite a thing to be a wife," Libertie's mother says to her. What does she mean?

I think that, to Mama, being a wife means being tied down. She even says that being a wife is not the same as being a free woman. Mama hoped for Libertie to follow in her footsteps and become a doctor. Once Libertie breaks the news about not wanting to be a doctor and Mama finds out she's been seeing Emmanuel, Mama is disappointed that her daughter is choosing love over her studies. I think this goes back to how Mama isn't really an emotional type of woman so she just sees love as a barrier to success.

7/2 - Chapter 5 & 6 - Vrè lanmou pa konn danje: Real love knows no danger / Manman Poul grate, grate jouk li jwenn zo grann li: Mouther Hen scratched and scratched till she reached her grandmother's bones

Discuss the ending. What was your reaction to Libertie's final letters to her mother and Emmanuel? What do you think Libertie's future holds?

I was so glad that Libertie finally wrote to her mother after putting it off for so long. When Libertie moved, she wanted to be independent. However, her independence came with a hefty price tag. She soon realized how much she missed her mother and how Emmanuel only offered her empty promises. I think it was in Libertie's best interest to leave Haiti since she was pregnant and also because her life in Haiti was just as unbearable as her mother's friendly attitude towards the white patients at the hospital. I think Libertie wanted to be someone who she dreamt too hard about, but moving back to the U.S. with her baby seems to be the best way for Libertie to finally fight for the freedom and equality that she's been seeking.

7/12 - Reflection of Libertie

Where do you think this book fits in the national conversation around racism? Does it shift your perception, or how you will respond in those conversations moving forward?

Within the realm of conversations around racism, the theme of passing and colorism is oftentimes brushed aside. Libertie is dark while her mother can pass as white. Both of them clearly have different experiences when they encounter white people and interact with other Black people in their community. Colorism is a new term to me, but for those who are unfamiliar with it, colorism is defined as "prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group." Even though we are making strides in understanding and educating others on racism, it is so much more complex than we make it out to be. Passing and colorism affects people within the same ethnic or racial group, and right now, I don't believe that we are creating spaces where these issues are being discussed.

Interested in reading Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge? Download the ebook or audiobook now on Hoopla or pick up a copy at your local library. Check out these additional discussion questions courtesy of Hoopla: Libertie Discussion Guide.