Review: "We Love You Charlie Freeman"
- Moe Godat
- Jun 3, 2016
- 1 min read
Kaitlyn Greenidge offers a hard-hitting, controversial, touching take on modern life, and the trials that accompany it in her gateway novel “We Love You, Charlie Freeman.” With blatant transparency and bold ideas, Greenidge is not looking to comfort, but to confront the readers about racism, family life and the varying forms of acceptance.
When the Freemans move to Courtland County, they couldn’t feel more out of place. Not only are they moving from the slums of Boston to a nicer part of town, but by doing so they also are making themselves one of the very few African American families in the area.
To further complicate matters, the newest edition to their family is a chimpanzee named Charlie. The Freemans are taken into the Toneybee Institute to adopt Charlie as their son and brother, all the while teaching him sign language. The family receives a new start at life in the better part of town. On the surface, their life seems like it could only get better.
But for 14-year-old Charlotte and 9-year-old Callie, having an ape for a brother comes with its challenges, both in the home and out. Growing up, Charlotte was always disliked for being smart and snooty. The Toneybee Institute gives her the chance to use her talents for the betterment of society, but she doesn’t quite see it that way. As her mother’s relationship with Charlie approaches obsession, Charlotte turns to a troublesome and rebellious friend.
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