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I received this book for free from Penguin Teen in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Libertad Length: 12 hours 31 minutes Published by Dial Books on August 27, 2024
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Coming of Age, Young Adult Fiction / LGBTQ
Pages: 432
Format: ARC, Audiobook
Source: Penguin Teen
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Goodreads
A queer YA coming-of-age set during the rigged Honduran presidential election, about a young poet discovering the courage it takes to speak her truth about the people and country she loves.As the contentious 2017 presidential election looms and protests rage across every corner of the city, life in Tegucigalpa, Honduras churns louder and faster. For her part, high school senior Libertad (Libi) Morazán takes heart in writing political poetry for her anonymous Instagram account and a budding romance someone new. But things come to a head when Mami sees texts on her phone mentioning a kiss with a girl and Libi discovers her beloved older brother, Maynor, playing a major role in the protests. As Libertad faces the political and social corruption around her, stifling homophobia at home and school, and ramped up threats to her poetry online, she begins dreaming of a future in which she doesn’t have to hide who she is or worry about someone she loves losing their life just for speaking up. Then the ultimate tragedy strikes, and leaving her family and friends—plus the only home she’s ever known—might be her only option.
Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldivar was a great debut and I am so happy that more authors from Central America are getting published these days. I’m always on the lookout for YA books to read from that part of the world because of the students I serve in my district.
Libertad is set in 2017 Tegucigalpa, Honduras. It is a time of political unrest and the main character, Libertad is entering her senior year as the president is threatening not to step aside after the election.
Coming of Age
There are so many elements to relate to in this debut novel. Despite the political unrest, it is mid-paced. Just like in real life, despite the craziness of a revolution hanging over everyone’s heads, life must go on. For Libertad, that means figuring out her feelings for her best friend in a culture that does not accept queerness. Over one year, Libertad experiences love, develops as a political poet and must decide whether Honduras is the home she wants to stay in.
There are some portions that move a little slow. But I tend to lean towards the action packed scenes in books. The protest and police scenes early on in the book really pulled me in, as I’m not familiar with that time period in Honduras so I didn’t know what to expect.
The Importance of Family
Home, family and acceptance are constant motifs throughout the book. Several chapters are even in her mother and older brother’s point of view. I really appreciated hearing from both of them, but especially Maynor. Since he is the oldest by more than 5 years, he has insight into family dynamics that Libertad does not, and it adds depth to the story. It thought it was a unique touch to the narrative.
Audiobook
I listened to the audiobook and read the physical copy. The narrator did an excellent job at voicing the characters. There is Spanish language throughout the book so if you need help with pronunciation or just want to hear how it is supposed to sound for non-native speakers, I definitely recommend.
I enjoyed Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldivar and I look forward to reading more of their work.
About the Author
Bessie Flores Zaldívar (all pronouns) is a queer writer from Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Bessie teaches fiction and lives in the New Haven area. Libertad is their debut publication.
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