This book captures grief and anxiety and coming of age later in life so well. I cared deeply about Maddie and her journey. I wish I could give her a hug.

I can't believe Maame is a debut novel nor that I waited so long to read it. Maddie's story is told with charm and wit, warmth and compassion. It was enlightening to walk in someone else's shoes as they go through daily life enduring the high expectations of family, the weight of responsibility for family, as well as racism, and sexism. My heart broke for Maddie at times, but I was also able to laugh along with her. JGeorge is an author to watch!

Maddie Wright, a Londoner by way of Ghana, has spent a large portion of her life caring for others. Being the responsible one in her family. The very definition of the name Maame, in her parents's native Twi. She was forced by circumstance to grow up too fast. Now, at age 25, she finds herself with the opportunity to start living, really living, her life. To figure out who she is, what she wants to do, and who she wants to do it with. But she encounters quite a few obstacles along her path of self discovery. I adored Maddie and sympathized with her. When she's given the chance to find the path to the life she's been dreaming of, she realizes she doesn't know herself all that well. Dealing with elements such has her family's culture, her religion, mental health, and simply looking different from most of her peers, all combine to slow her down on this journey.

Maame was an engaging read. It was illuminating to be in Maddie's head as she dealt with and explained her differences and/or lack of knowledge and experience in certain areas. For instance, she hesitates in accepting a date because she was going to wash her hair...for Maddie, hair washing IS an all-day event. And then there was the Google-ing of interpersonal situations that she'd not experienced such as the appropriate number of dates before having sex OR is my boss stealing my ideas? And her reaction to the responses? I laughed out loud many times. I admired Maddie for putting herself out there at work, wanting to prove her worth. And I appreciated how JGeorge conveyed the pressures of life - family, work, friends - complicated by the hardships of mental health and finances. She did it in a way that aptly described the sometimes happy, sometimes sad, and mostly messy path to finding your place in the world.

Maame was such a great read! I'm quite impressed with JGeorge's writing and, as a debut, Maame was fantastic. Engaging, thought-provoking, and emotional. I look forward to reading more from JGeorge in the future.

In so many ways, Maame by Jessica George is a coming of age story. The word “maame” in the Twi language means mother or woman. Maddie’s journey of self-discovery is a slow read and tries cover a lot of issues – perhaps, a few too many issues for any one to be developed in full depth. An interesting premise, a relatable lesson, but ultimately a story that proves to be a challenge.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2023/12/maame.html

Reviewed for NetGalley.

I really did not enjoy this book at first. Then it kicked in and I actually ended up enjoying the story. Maddie's character is really sheltered and when she finally starts coming out of her shell I just thought she was adorable.


Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

Jessica George's 'Maame' unfolds an intricate tale, masterfully blending cultural nuances with a gripping plot. The characters breathe life into the pages, and the emotional depth resonates profoundly. George's storytelling prowess shines, creating a vivid tapestry of love, loss, and resilience. 'Maame' is a poignant exploration of human connections, leaving an indelible impact on the reader's heart. A must-read that transcends borders and beautifully navigates the complexities of identity and belonging.

This is a fantastic book by a very talented debut author. Maame is the (semi-autobiographical?) story of an ambitious but very tired young London woman whose family circumstances require her to grow up much too early. She is responsible, seemingly, for everyone, which takes a predictable toll on her own mental health and delays her own coming of age. She is unable to grow up and become her own person before standing up to her mother and brother in the aftermath of the loss of her father. Over time, and with the help of a good therapist, she is able to recognize that she cannot do it all herself and that her own happiness matters, not just to herself but to the family and friends she has been supporting. Appreciative for an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.

This book game me all the feels. I was hooked from the beginning. Hard to believe this was a debut novel, I can't wait to see the next one. brilliant book.

Thank you for the ARC.

This was such an inspirational book. Maddie's overbearing mother, although in Ghana most of the time is very difficult and Maddie is torn between family duty and doing things just for herself. The book is named Maame because that is what her mother calls her - it is Twi term meaning "woman" which she is but she hasn't really had a chance to be on her own, She is obligated to take care of her father while her mother is absent. Finally, her mother returns and Maddie tries to live her best life but life isn't easy especially since she had to be a woman long before she was ready. Very powerful story with themes of family, self growth, grief, guilt, regrets, and finally starting over!

This book took me a minute to get into.. It was a slow, but interesting read. The main character, I thought was written decently, Just some of the things that happened in the story irritated me at times throughout the story. After a certain point, it did get a little more engaging.

Maddie's life is very mudanely chaotic in a way that feels very relateable. Often times, your day to day life is very simple and then events occur that upheave that normalcy and force you to adjust to a new one. The author did a great job of depicting this through Maddie leaving home and then tragedy bringing her back but bringing her back changed.

I thought the discussions that occured here on grief, love, being a late bloomer and even the toll that being the stable child takes on a person were all timely amd experiences many folks will identify with.

Overall, a very interesting, unique, and yet still familiar read.

rom beginning to end, no notes! Bookstagram is very good at getting my energy and me to buy books because everyone says they’re good and the pretty pictures that they’re featured in. Sometimes y’all be lying but with this one, chef’s kiss.

Maddie stays at home with her sick father, as the oldest daughter, only moves out once her mother, his wife finally decides to return from Ghana to UK and so now Maddie has a life of her own. Maddie recently lost her job but had enough saved to buy her own flat, go out drinking, work on her social skills and date. (I related to this so much. I’m one of 8 kids and the oldest daughter, once I got out of the big house and lived alone, I explored NYC in ways I always dreamed.

The beauty of having your own life and identity means you are learning your own language and what your world needs. The brutality of that is everyone else is living as well and you can miss the opportunity to say goodbye to a loved one. In the midst of family duty, Maddie is dealing with microagressions at work, giving herself to the wrong men, and living with roommates. Watching her find herself and her voice was really one of my favorite experiences this year! (Yes, my therapist said I need to go outside!)

The character development. The trauma. The happy ending. Chef’s kiss. Did anyone else enjoy this as much as I did?

What a great novel really touched on finding your way in life. I would highly recommend this to anyone and Jessica George is a wonderful wonderful writer.

A novel that does and feels so much. I can't believe this is a debut! Gorgeously written, endlessly quotable — so many lines I wanted to pluck from the book and wrap myself up in.

7/10

This book actually reminded me of the book Small Joys, which I read recently and, if I remember correctly, I gave it the same 7/10 rating.

Small Joys was about Harley, a black boy in his early 20s who had a troubled relationship with his father, was depressed, moved into an apartment with some strangers and found himself.

Maame, on the other hand, is about a black girl in her early 20s who had a troubled relationship with her family, was depressed, moved into an apartment with some strangers and found herself.

Y’see the similarities?

But seriously, folks, this is a good book.

Maddie’s (aka Maame) mother lives in Ghana most of the year, her brother is out living his own life so Maddie is stuck living with her father in England and taking care of him as he struggles with Parkinson’s.

She finally decides to move out of her parents place and try to grow up. Yes she’s a bit depressing, yes she lets people walk all over her… but you feel for Maddie. You want her to win. You want her to find good people who respect her. Because deep down Maddie is a good person who is just trying to live a good life for her and for others.

This is a lovely story and so well written, especially for a debut novel. I was impressed.

#maame #netgalley

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick. Our library purchased and our patrons have been checking out and and enjoying the book. I see it is a popular book club choice as well we hope to have more oppurtinies to support authors like them

MAAME is a must-read debut novel in 2023. I was lucky enough to read it early and learned a lot from this book. From Ghanaian culture to self-growth issues, MAAME shows the complexity of life throughout the story.

It was beautifully written from the perspective of Maddie, a caretaker of her father. She learned to navigate her life after her father's death to get out of her comfort zone -- facing her separation anxiety, embracing her uniqueness, and learning to love herself.

It's funny how I didn't initially like Maddie and became her supporter in the end. It shows the author, Jessica George, did an excellent job building this character. MAAME is out now, so don't miss it!

Took me a while to clear this one off my shelf. What a fantastic novel!
It was hard to believe this was a debut, really.
Maddie has tremendous responsibility and all her stuff with her family set her own personal development back some.
This is a novel full of heart, love, and deep thoughts about life, family and living.
GREAT READ

This was absolutely phenomenal. I know I'm super late, but I really wanted to read this when I knew I could savor it, and it did not disappoint. It's sad but funny, relatable and everything in-between.

Thank you to netgalley.com for this ARC.

This was a very touching and emotional book for me. Maame is very sheltered by her upbringing and culture and when she finally starts to free herself from it, a tragedy happens.

This story shows her coping with the tragedy as well as trying to follow her cultural beliefs while working and socializing in modern London.

This book was heartbreaking at times and very relatable.

warm, awkward, joyous, a little bit heartbreaking and, most of all, unforgettable, you'll fall in love quickly