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Libertie


This superb historical novel explores what freedom means for a young Black woman...
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Why do you think Greenidge chose to write this as fiction rather than nonfiction? How does that affect what you take away from the novel?

Created: 04/07/22

Replies: 14

Posted Apr. 07, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

Why do you think Greenidge chose to write this as fiction rather than nonfiction? How does that affect what you take away from the novel?

"Libertie" grew out of Kaitlyn Greenidge's research about Dr. Susan Smith McKinney Steward and her daughter. Although the characters take their origins from Steward and her daughter Anna, Greenidge expands deeply on the historical record. Why do you think she chose to write this as fiction rather than nonfiction? How does that affect what you take away from the novel?


Posted Apr. 07, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
linz

Join Date: 08/12/15

Posts: 167

RE: Why do you think Greenidge chose to ...

I think I would have enjoyed a non fiction book about the doctor. To me, she was the more interesting character.


Posted Apr. 07, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Maggie

Join Date: 01/01/16

Posts: 434

RE: Why do you think Greenidge chose to ...

I read a lot of historical fiction. I know the authors do research whether the book is about a person or event. I also know the authors use their imagination. In most historical fiction I glean enough facts to satisfy me. Also I will often google to learn more. I do not read a lot of non fiction so if this had been written as non fiction I would not have been interested.
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Posted Apr. 07, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Navy Mom

Join Date: 04/12/12

Posts: 294

RE: Why do you think Greenidge chose to ...

Since the book was Fiction, the author could look at the facts and use conjecture to explain why the facts unfolded the way they did. When we understand motives for actions we learn about the human condition. I'm not sure just the facts in a non-fiction book would have satisfied the reader.


Posted Apr. 07, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
lynne z

Join Date: 01/06/18

Posts: 58

RE: Why do you think Greenidge chose to ...

It's possible that Dr. Steward's life, although admirable, might did not lend itself to an interesting non-fiction biography. I don't know the relationship the doctor had with her daughter. In fact, I don't know if her daughter was dark-skinned, and if so, what affects that had on both of their lives. Did her daughter marry and go to Haiti? With historical fiction, the author could use a basic outline and delve deeper into important issues of the time that are still present today.

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Posted Apr. 08, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
PinkLady

Join Date: 01/22/18

Posts: 187

RE: Why do you think Greenidge chose to ...

I may have been bothered more than others by the woman in the water and her impact on the book. The author certainly saw her as important to the story and I don't know how she could have included her in a non-fiction book. I don't want to criticize the author but wonder how she would have developed this story line in non-fiction.


Posted Apr. 13, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
beckys

Join Date: 08/12/16

Posts: 233

RE: Why do you think Greenidge chose to ...

with a fiction book, you have a lot more license to embellish the story and add some ideas that you feel would make it more interesting.


Posted Apr. 13, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Joyce

Join Date: 10/14/21

Posts: 79

RE: Why do you think Greenidge chose to ...

If I had not read the interview with the author I would not have known that the book was inspired by actual people. With this knowledge I actually appreciated the book more as I had decided that it was just an “ok” novel. I like historical fiction more than historical non-fiction because, as others have commented, it’s more interesting. However, I think I might consider researching what is known about the real people.


Posted Apr. 13, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
nancyh

Join Date: 06/25/13

Posts: 347

RE: Why do you think Greenidge chose to ...

The book is very interesting to read and I enjoyed it. I do not know if there would have been enough interesting true events to make it good as a nonfiction book. Also, part of the story revolves around the Lady in the Water, I do not know how that would fit. Then we have the part in Haiti. I believe the story was very good as written.


Posted Apr. 13, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
jos

Join Date: 03/14/21

Posts: 139

RE: Why do you think Greenidge chose to ...

Historical fiction gives the author the freedom to embellish and ultimately create a compelling storyline that non fiction doesn’t always afford. The author can use facts as an outline and fill in with adventures and mayhem! It also can be a useful way of hitting hard truths while gaining the readers empathy


Posted Apr. 14, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
oraj

Join Date: 05/10/18

Posts: 12

RE: Why do you think Greenidge chose to ...

Choice of a younger person as main character allowed for a wider range of growth and change in the development of her protaganist.


Posted Apr. 25, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
dove12*

Join Date: 03/01/22

Posts: 13

RE: Why do you think Greenidge chose to ...

I believe that the author would have had a difficult time selling a non fiction account. it is only recently that the lives of female trailblazers are finally getting attention.
the ability to add a creative flair allows this book a wider audience .


Posted Apr. 26, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
ashleighp

Join Date: 09/15/20

Posts: 33

RE: Why do you think Greenidge chose to ...

I think the beauty of historical fiction vs biography or just non-fiction in this context allows for the author to take inspiration from a story and let it blossom vs having to report on strictly fact. It makes the story less sterile and more digestible. It also makes this sort of historical/cultural information more accessible to All.


Posted Apr. 28, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
marganna

Join Date: 10/14/11

Posts: 153

RE: Why do you think Greenidge chose to ...

Works of fiction allow authors to take basic facts & build a story line - often a biography can be limited although I think this story could have been improved with a non-fiction book.


Posted Apr. 28, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
BeeBee

Join Date: 12/04/21

Posts: 12

RE: Why do you think Greenidge chose to ...

I think historical fiction allows the author to make the subject matter even more interesting, imagining what might have been.


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