Maame is a story about Maddie, a twenty-something woman who has really never grown up due to her family situation. Maddie lives in London with her father. Her parents are Ghana immigrants who have placed a large amount of responsibility on her while her mother returns to Ghana and her brother lives his own life. Maddie stays in her family home to take care of her father who is ill. Everything falls on Maddie including the care of her father and financial responsibility all while working a full time job. Maddie has never really matured past her teenage years. She never goes out, she never dates, and has few friends.

Maame will tug at your heartstrings. I found myself routing for Maddie to stand up for herself. Jessica George has written a special book that I think many readers will enjoy. I will be anxiously awaiting George's future releases.

Warning Possible Triggers: Parental loss

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Twenty five year old Maddie lives in her parents' London home. While her mother spends most of the time in her Ghana homeland, Maddie is the caregiver for her ill father. It's only when her mother returns for an extended time period that Maddie is free to strike out on her own and learn the ways of the world.

Naive Maddie is years behind her peers when it comes to social interactions, dating, sex, and living with flatmates her same age. As new situations come her way, she relies on Google for advice because she's too embarrassed to ask a friend. A recurrent and hilarious plot device.

What I liked -- never feeling the need to skim. The writing style was superb in that regard. The sections about her work life where she felt unappreciated, and was often the only black in the room. Her awkward sexual experiences leaving her wondering why people thought such a painful event was worth the effort. The relatable family squabbles and the cultural disconnect between a Ghana homeland and life in London. Maddie's two best friends whom she took for granted, until she later realized how very special they were.

What I didn't like -- the majority of the book dealt with Maddie's dad's death. While I understood the need to explore her reactions to such a devastating event, I thought it overtook the better parts of my reading experience.

This was a charming and sometimes frustrating read that I thought was unique and thought provoking. The main character, Maddie, is incredibly lost in her life and I found myself wanting to scream at her a few times to either communicate more clearly or stand up for herself. Obviously the plot of the book is her finding her way and the obstacles in her way, but she was a bit challenging as a MC and in so many instances had far more patience for bullshit than I would have - but she's learning. That's the point, huh?

I was deeply saddened by a lot of things in this book, and you will experience a range of emotions. Her father is terminally ill, her love interests are, quite frankly, terrible people, and no one in her life is treating her as she deserves to be treated. As an oldest daughter myself, I definitely understand a lot of the responsibilities and expectations placed on her.

I very much enjoyed the ending of this book and would honestly love to know what happened for her when the story ended. Maddie grew so much as a character - some reviews have said her constant googling was distracting, but I think it was a clever literary device that underscored just how insecure and unsure she was of everything she did. The frequency shows just how dire her need for guidance and understanding was. This book felt deeply personal to me, especially with the novel she's writing having a MC named Jess, as is the author of this book.

Overall, it was a touching and dynamic story of a young woman facing more obstacles than most and showing that it's never too late to make changes and grow yourself, no matter the odds. It was unique to anything I've read before, and I thought the exploration of race and oppression was well incorporated into the story as opposed to others that are much more on the nose- it was raw and real. I would absolutely recommend this book to others.

4.5 Maame is a lovely coming of age story that is a debut by a clearly gifted writer, Jessica George. Maddie is a 25 year old Ghanian woman, nicknamed Maame by her family, living in London that is finding her footing a bit later than her peers due to her devotion to care for her father who has Parkinson's. Her brother is completely self absorbed and offers no assistance except empty promises and while her mother has been gone she is about to return to London. Maddie takes this opportunity to finally move out and start carving her own path. There is a little bit of everything in here from figuring out how to live with roommates, bosses that are horrid, bosses that are supporting, familial guilt, and some really solid friends. There is definitely grief, guilt and sadness here, sprinkled with some humor - hey its a pretty realistic story of life during that phase - but in the end you will cheer for Maddie to find her footing and venture forward. I will be keeping an eye out to see what Ms George releases next.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an early release e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Maame will be released on 1/31/2023.

Absolutely superb novel about the challenges of breaking free from where you are to go where you want to go and do what you want to do. The biggest challenge is continuing to move forward when the pain of stability is replaced by crippling setbacks in seriatim. Maame is a continual surprise of forward momentum despite the death of a beloved father, an unfair firing, the belated painful loss of virginity, the betrayal of a boyfriend, racial micro aggressions and racism, and roommate issues. Inspiring and thoughtful examination of a belated coming of age. A heroine to root for.

This was a really well done debut novel that touches on so many of the things we have all loved through even though the details may be different. Maddie is a young woman with a deeply fulfilling life and a lot of responsibility. Her father has Parkinson's disease and she is his main caregiver as her mother spends most of her time in Ghana and her brother keeps himself too busy to be much help.
When Maddie's mother returns to London and says she plans to stay for a year, Maddie is given an opportunity to finally move out on her own and try to live a more fulfilling and exciting life. The move is just one of the many changes in store for her but , just like in life, not all of these work out the way she thinks they will.

Maddie’s nickname is Maame which means “Woman” in Twi. This is fitting because Maddie puts everyone above herself. When we meet Maddie, we learn she’s the daughter of Ghanian immigrants, lives in London with her father who has Parkinson’s while her mother spends most of her time in Ghana, and works full time in a job she finds unfulfilling.

Maddie is a little lost (as most people are in their mid-twenties) and has a tremendous amount of pressure from her family. Witnessing her growth and self-discovery made me feel a sense of pride for her.

This was a wonderful debut novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Maame is easily going to be a 2023 favourite of mine.

We follow 25-year-old Maddie Wright who is the primary caregiver for her father with Parkinson's; while her mother is in Ghana, and her brother is off spending his days with friends and avoiding responsibilities. When Maddie's mother returns from Ghana, Maddie moves out to begin living her life, experiencing things she's never had the chance to, and choosing which Maddie she wants the world to know when her father passes away.

There is so much that happens throughout the novel that you can't help but cheer Maddie on, wishing only the best for her. I wanted to jump in, hug her, comfort her, and tell her that I understand and that she is not alone. The way Jessica George portrayed loss and grief through Maddie was so realistic--showing how grief can consume us and the different stages of grief we experience. Maddie was complex, messy, real and flawed; and yet, you can't help but still love her character. There were many moments where I saw myself in Maddie--relating to her thoughts and emotions. I didn't expect to get emotional and cry while reading this but Jessica George did a splendid job of creating a connection between her readers and characters from start to finish.

I highly recommend checking out this beautiful and honest coming-of-age story.

Thanks to St. Martin Press for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.75/5

Lovely debut novel with a fully realized main character. Includes difficult themes of depression, grief, parental absence, and racism with insight, strength and compassion. I really loved the ending! Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

This novel was a quick, easy read. I was so intrigued by the premise of Maame, and I look to reading more of George's work. It is apparent at times that this is a debut, and the author is still working on their voice. It'll get fleshed out with time, I'm sure. This coming-of-age story touches on many heavy topics, and Maddie's character touched me. It read more YA at times, which threw me off since the novel is being marketed as literary fiction - it definitely doesn't read literary, and that's okay.

Maame by Jessica George
Maddie is the twenty-five-year-old daughter of Ghanian descent who is the glue supporting her dysfunctional family. As her father slips away with Parkinson’s disease, her brother enjoys independence from all responsibility, since Maame (Maddie) takes care of everything, and even her mother leaves her in charge, to spend every other year in Ghana. So, Maddie stays home and is her father’s caretaker. Stuck in a job that doesn’t value her, with a few close friends from high school and no social life, Maddie bears the burdens of family without reprieve.
When her mother returns, Maddie takes the opportunity to find out how life can be and moves out. And it all falls apart.
The name Maame, what her mother has called her from childhood, means Woman, and implies that she carries the weight of the family on “heavy shoulders.” Despite the burden, this book is more a tale of discovery and growth than sorrow and shame. George’s voice is fresh and gives a peek inside Ghanian culture as an immigrant, but also the story of how family values mold and guide characters, even when they reject them.
Thank you to St Martins and NetGalley for this ARC. Maame goes on sale January 31,2023.

Maame is a debut novel about 25 year old Maddie, who is coming of age in London. Maddie has been burdened with being her chronically ill father's caregiver, and because of that has not had a chance to experience many things that other 25 year olds have (calling all eldest daughters, this one's for you!). Her absentee mother returns to care for her father and she is able to finally move out and begin experiencing life independently from her family. During this time of exploration Maddie experiences some traumatic events that cause her to reevaluate her identity and grapple with her mental health. Maame is compulsively readable, the author's writing feels like speaking to your best friend. She is at times charming and funny (she has an inner monologue represented by a Lizzie McGuire type cartoon), but also deeply emotional and poingnant. Maame touches on growing up, grief, racism, mental health, sex, friendship, and diaspora/Ghanaian culture.
I loved Maddie and her story so much, and really recommend this one! I have a feeling it'll be on a lot of must read lists this year!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Maame by Jessica George #debut #literaryfiction #newrelease

Maame (ma-meh) has many meanings in Twi but in my case, it means woman.

This book centers around Maddie. She is 25 living in London, working a job she hates, and spending all her free time taking care of her father, who is suffering from Parkinson's disease. When her mother comes back from a year long trip to Ghana, Maddie finds the opportunity to move out on her own and start living her life for the first time.

This is a very unique coming of age story. Maddie is dealing with the traditional roles she must fill but also wanting to find her own voice. I loved Maddie and her journey to really be able to go for what she wants. As the reader, we are able to really get into Maddie's head and feel her feelings. This is a very heartfelt and beautiful debut.

I alternated between print and audio on this. Either format is a win.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I am so happy this was my first book of the year! <I>Maame</I> is a contemporary fiction novel from the perspective of a young Ghanaian woman named Maddie. She is a caregiver for her father who has Parkinson's while her mother lives in Ghana and her brother assumes she's responsible for everything because WEAPONIZED INCOMPETENCE. Anyway, Maddie is fired from her horrible job and learns that her mom is coming home to the UK to take care of her husband and is encouraged to move out of her childhood home. She finds an apartment and a new job when tragedy strikes.

In its conversational tone, <I>Maame</I> begins a lot like <I>Luster</I> or <I>Queen</I>, moving its heroin through the tumultuous path of coming of age. And then it turns a corner about halfway, splintering off into it's own exploration of grief and family roles. We get a front row seat watching Maddie become an adult person with boundaries, self respect, and expectations for how she is treated. And it is satisfying as hell!

The book steadily plods along, yet it always engaging. I would have enjoyed more from the friendships. At times, I'd get confused about which best friend was which and it could have used a bit more characterization for the two of them.

If you enjoy meandering character studies or books about grief, this is a great one. I aggressively recommend this one!

Many thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my review copy! Pub date: Jan 31!

Told in first POV, this amazing debut book reads like a memoir, and is beautifully written. It is more of a character driven novel, and is filled with poignant, relevant and insightful tidbits of information, that will make you want to keep reading!

I listened to this book and I loved it! Maddie tells her story about growing up with a nickname that has shaped her own life, in more ways than she can imagine. This book has many layers to it, and underlying themes, that make it a “not to be missed” book, at least in my opinion.

This book touches on tough topics- such as racism in the workplace, growing up in different(racialized) cultures, mental health issues, the struggle to find happiness and love while also figuring out who you are. The pressures of your own family, and caring for (and dealing with) a sick family member- and feelings of guilt that come with this and trying to express your own freedom.

Maddie was my favourite character, as I think she was written that way. I loved seeing her character growth throughout the novel. While she has to deal with a lot, there are some lighter moments, that seem to balance it all out. I just wanted to see her succeed and be happy!

I highly recommend this book- I think many people find benefit from reading this one!

25 year-old Maddie, daughter of Ghanaian immigrants, hasn’t really lived life yet, because she’s been busy being the responsible one in her family, and being the primary caretaker of her ailing father.
Maame follows Maddie’s journey to discover herself and find her way in the world. There were parts of Maddie’s journey that I found enthralling, and parts that dragged for me. Overall, however, Maddie is a fresh voice and this book is definitely worth a read.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for my complimentary review copy.

This is my favourite book of 2023. I have only read two other books since the new year but I know this one has set the bar high for the coming year.

This is Maddie's story. She was born in England to Ghanaian parents. She has been raised by their very strict standards. In essence, she has led a very sheltered life. Her parents lead a very unconventional life….the mother takes off to Ghana for a year at a time to attend to family business. Maddie stays home to care for her ailing father. When the mother returns to spend the year in England, Maddie spreads her wings and leaves home. She is determined that her life must catch up to that of others in their mid 20s.

The story is told in Maddie's voice. In many parts, it's as if she is talking directly to the reader. I couldn't help but fall in love with her. She is very self-deprecating and unsure of herself outside the umbrella of her home. But, she is a very sweet young lady and is excited to meet the world. She sets out a list of things she wants to accomplish. She is one of the most endearing characters I have met.

Throughout the book, Maddie copes with many situations. Devastating grief, very unconventional family structure, overbearing mother, always being the only black person in the room, losing a job. The reader rides the emotional roller coaster with Maddie. I actually laughed out loud a few times and shed a few tears with her and commiserated with her. One of Maddie’s coping mechanisms is to Google every issue that crosses her path. She takes the reader along on that journey. This book is truly a study of Maddie's complex character.

Maddie's mother is a piece of work! She is someone who needs to be throttled!!!

MAAME: the responsible one, the woman, the mother. Often before her time.
This is the name Maddie's mother calls her throughout the book. I think the reader is able to draw their own conclusion why the mother calls Maddie by this name by the time the book ends.

I liked the ending. But I still want more from Maddie. I loved watching her strength and her character evolve.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

Maddie. Maame. What a beautiful and complicated and flawed and raw protagonist. I am so grateful that I have read this book. A tale about grief and a journey of self discovery that felt so real and honest. I am actually having a bit of difficulty verbalizing how I feel about this book but I think what Jessica George did so beautifully is made Maddie a full person who felt real in the world. Maddie’s grief was palpable and felt like one of the most accurate ways to talk about the journey so many of us go through but yet all go through differently. While discovering herself, it wasn’t a clear and perfect path and that’s the reality of life. The complicated family dynamics, the realities of racism that are experienced by people of color every day and the road to working on one’s own mental health struggles really made me root for Maddie.

There is a line from this book that really stuck with me: “a person’s troubles are not measured by the size of those troubles, but by how much they weigh on the individual that is carrying them.”

Go buy this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital arc in exchange for my honest opinions.

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed going to London to follow Maddie's experience as a first generation immigrant, with her family's strong ties to their native Ghana. It was a bit slower paced, but really related to some aspects of the book personally, so enjoyed going along for the ride.

Maame is a beautiful coming of age story - equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Maame (Maddie) raised herself, took care of her ailing father, while her mother ran a business in their native country of Ghana and put her college and dating life on hold to be there for her family.  But, when her mother returned from Ghana, Maame moved out and her father passed away.  The story navigates Maame's grief and emotional development as she figures out who she wants to be in life as she now has the freedom to be on her own.

I did appreciate the love, loss, family, and culture aspects to Jessica's debut novel, but I did feel like it was a little slow.  Stories based on character development usually do tend to feel that way as there is usually not a big twist or shocking turn, but rather we coast through a journey of one's life.  Overall, I liked it.