Maame is heartfelt, insightful, funny, devastating, and hopeful all at the same time. Author Jessica George delves into the complexities of identity, family, and the search for belonging, as the protagonist Maddie navigates a challenging life in London, where she cares for her father battling advanced stage Parkinson's while juggling a demanding job and the complexities of being the only Black person in her workplace. Throughout the novel, Maddie works towards changing her path while facing unexpected setbacks, tragedy, and betrayals.

"Maame" is a moving and thought-provoking read that resonates with readers on a deeply emotional level. George's skillful storytelling and vivid character development make Maddie's journey one that readers will not soon forget. It is a book that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and friendship in overcoming life's challenges.

An emotional book that I had a hard time putting down. The main character was easy to care about and I related to situation because my mother has Parkinson's Disease just like Maddie's dad. Maddie has so many things that stress her out at such a young age and yet she holds herself together pretty well. She is definitely a people pleaser and needs to take more time to care for herself. She did not have much of a childhood thanks to her dad's health problems and the instability of her mom. I felt for Maddie throughout this book.

The writing is thought provoking and very realistic. Though the pace started out a bit slow I was thoroughly invested by the middle and very satisfied with the ending. I highly recommend this heartfelt book. This is a stunning debut for Jessica George, and I look forward to reading many more of her books!

I have voluntarily written an honest review and am very grateful to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this beautiful book.

I loved this book. A coming of age novel about a women who is experiencing all the things (racism, sexism, grief, family drama, romance, etc.). This is one of the best books of 2023.

A daughter is the one who holds down the family when the mother is away. But should she have to be the main caretaker of her father? Dealing with his doctor's appointments and making sure he is eating and getting exercise, so his disease does not destroy him. When she decides to take some time for herself, the inexplicable happens.

This is a great book about families and the relationships between mother/daughter, daughter/father, brother/sister, and husband/wife.

Many thanks to NetGalley for a free early review copy.

Loved the perspective of a new-adult immigrant woman - so different from my own. Loved the perspective of losing a dad - so similar to my own. The main character is young, sheltered, ignorant, and innocent all at the same time. Her decisions are frustrating to watch, but she does learn and grow. I suspect this is a book I'll be thinking about for a while.

Absolutely loved this novel - what a beautiful, breathtaking story - and it landed in my top ten for 2023. I am hopeful that the author will publish more of her work in the near future but, until then, I cannot recommend this one enough!

Thank you St. Martin Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC of the book.

This book describes Maddie's journey as she moves out of her childhood house, changes her job and starts dating.
It was one of those books where I wanted to hug the protagonist because I felt that she wasn't heard and seen by many people in her life. Even though it was a tough journey to find herself and her own voice, I enjoyed following her journey.
Jessica's writing style is beautiful and poetic.

Maame by Jessica George was one of my favorite reads of 2023. I was delighted to discover a new author to love, and I was captivated by George's storytelling. Following Maddie's journey of self-discovery was one beautiful ride.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. All thoughts are my own.

This is an amazing novel of love and family, loyalty and setting boundaries, sadness and joy in unexpected place. I was slow to read this novel but it gave so much more than I expected. A amazing debut work, the writing is poignant. We can all relate to the situations the main character finds herself in as she navigates her life as a young adult getting out on her own. The guilt involved in forging your own life away from that of your family and the consequences of bad decisions. I loved this book and look forward to the author’s next work. Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for providing me with an ARC.

Breathtaking book, really surprised me with how deeply moved I felt while reading it. Having neglectful parents myself, this was a book that hit close to home, but instead of hurting, it felt healing.

The book was okay; I'm not sure why it got such hype....maybe I'm not the demographic that should be reading or would be raving about this. I didn't find myself liking the main character as she seemed somewhat ridiculous. I understand that the book is kind-of a "coming of age/ self-discovery" story, but there was SO MUCH going on that it was very disjointed and I couldn't track why certain things were even in the story line as it didn't advanced the story.

After accepting this read on a whim, I'm glad I finally picked it up. Although I did find a few of the character's traits naive and a little immature for 25, I did enjoy the message about struggles with life in your twenties and all the relationships that come with it. There were several moments that brought me to tears and appreciating my own relationship with my parents. Overall, it was a decent read.

Maame by Jessica George is a well-written coming-of-age story that is both sad and charming. 20-something Maddie is wise beyond her years and deals with some tough issues like grief, depression, family, self-growth, guilt, regrets, and starting over. Such a heartfelt and compelling story. I look forward to more from Jessica George! Thank you to #NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Jessica George for the digital ARC. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

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.