Libertie is described as a coming of age story, and I suppose the main character comes of age, but the story doesn’t include any hallmarks of a Bildungsroman.

Libertie does not seem to have any grand self realizations, and goes through life vicariously, never finding her own calling. Inexplicably, the pace of the novel was very slow, while her life choices moved at warp speed. Each time another set of characters she encounters was introduced, I thought perhaps this is where things will dig deeper and I’ll get more character development as she finds her people. But, nope, the narrative moved quickly on, and yet another half dozen characters I’ll forget were introduced.

All of these interactions gave an interesting look at life during that time, for sure, but no real depth. I felt like someone watching a roller coaster ride at a theme park, but never able to actually get on board.