Member Reviews

I loved this novel. If I had to choose one word to describe it, that word would be real. Everything about this book felt real. The main character, while a bit naive about certain things, grows and tackles heavy issues with strength and resilience. A book about all the struggles a person can face: Grief, death, racism, sexism, workplace drama, being single and navigating the world of dating. Maddie was easy to root for. I devoured this book, I didn't want to put it down and now that I've finished I can't stop thinking about it.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review honestly an advanced digital copy.

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I absolutely loved this tender novel about Maddie and her road to finding herself. Highly recommend.

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This book was okay. I felt bad for Maddie many times throughout the book. She was forced to grow up but at the same time she was still so naive.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I had this book on my shelf for quite a while thanks to NetGalley and despite thinking the cover is absolutely gorgeous, I didn't pick it up for some reason. And then the audio version was offered to me on libro.fm and decided to give it a listen. Omg I'm so happy I did. I absolutely loved this book and listened to the entire thing in just 2 days!

Maddie is a 25-years-old Londoner who is living at home acting as a caregiver for her dad who has Parkinson's disease. Her parents are still married, but her mom all but abandoned the family to live and work in Ghana. And her older brother doesn't live far, but is totally unhelpful. Maddie has way more responsibilities than most people her age and really has since she was a child everyone called "Maame," which means "woman" in Twi. But she's finally started to break out of her current situation and live life on her own terms. Of course, this isn't easy and there are lots of stumbles along the way.

I absolutely loved the character of Maddie and wanted to jump right into the pages of the book to be her friend. I really enjoyed following her journey and though parts of the book are sad with lots of grief, I kept turning the pages and listening to see if Maddie would come out on top.

I think many woman will be able to relate to Maddie in some way and even if you can't, it's hard not to root for her. I highly recommend this book!

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Maddie, or as her mother called, her Maame, is 24 and the primary caregiver for her father who is suffering from Parkinson's. Her mother spends most of her time in Ghana and her brother is out living his best life. Maddie is stuck in a rut with life and her job and feels like her life is just kind of blah. But then her mother announces she is returning home to London and Maddie is ready to move out on her own and enjoy life. Until tragedy strikes and she finds herself spiraling in a web of despair and unfortunate choices. But Maddie is stronger than she realizes and finds that there is no old Maddie or new Maddie but just Maddie and the one person she needs to please is herself.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Maddie is such a complex character but I think many of us can relate to her without having gone through what she is going through. The novel is a lot about her self-discovery and how she finally tackles her childhood, accepts her flawed family as they are and works through her own self-worth. Although her grief complicates her journey, it is a journey she needs to make and she finds support in not only her her friends and family but also in unlikely places.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this early review copy. This debut novel hits the shelves on 1/31/2023

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The setting: "...Maddie’s [Maame] life in London is far from rewarding. With a mother who spends most of her time in Ghana (yet still somehow manages to be overbearing), Maddie is the primary caretaker for her father, who suffers from advanced stage Parkinson’s." Her work is unfulfilling; she is extrememly insecure, naive, and most things are a challenge.

I didn't buy much of the publisher's description: but yes familial duty, internet dating, finding recognition in one's career, and experiencing some "firsts,"but so much more than "female pleasure, the complexity of love, and the life-saving power of friendship."

Maddie's mother calls her Maame, a Twi word which has different meanings, but commonly woman--meaning Maddie should be responsible and meet the expectations people [especially her mother] have for her. Her mother is highly critical of everything Maddie does and sends directives [many church-related] both from Ghana and the times she is in London; this did inject a bit of humor for me. Maddie is only 25 but has led a highly restricted and inexperienced life. She takes care of her usually silent father. Her brother, James, lives in England, but is unavailable and takes advantage of his sister [as does their mother who relies on Maddie for money]. Their dependence on her deprives her of independence -- until she moves out [when her mother returns] and into a flat with two other women. This is a whole new arena for Maddie.

Is this a coming of age story? Maybe, but not the usual one. More of a self-discovery, and one of slowly, slowly, building a life.

I loved Maddie and all her shortcomings and struggles. She is constantly Googling to find out answers for the life she hasn't yet lived. [Also humorous]. And as the book progressed, so did Maddie; I was happy to be along for the ride.

Think about this: "...what my mum dislikes in my brother is what my brother dislikes in my mum, but neither of them can see they're arguing with themselves."

I found this novel, fresh, original, charming, and engaging. And often heartbreaking because Maddie suffers from depression/sadness/grief/guilt especially after her father's death, but...

At one point a bit more than halfway through the book I sensed a trajectory. No spoiler from me, but I was correct. And, it didn't spoil the end for me.

This is a debut novel; I can't wait to see what George does next. 4.5

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A very unusual coming of age story (perhaps a bit late) of a young Ghanaian woman living in London. Her life is dominated by being the caregiver for her father. Her mother has opted to spend months in Ghana, leaving her alone to cope with her responsibilities. She is alienated from her sibling. Maddie struggles emotionally and financially.

It is the story of her “escape” that provides the basis of this sweet novel. I know I was rooting for her. George pulls it all together with a series of events that provide closure for this very appealing character.

Thank you Netgalley for this lovely ARC.

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Family can be messy.

Maddie is the primary care giver for her father who has Parkinson’s, while her mother resides most of the time in Ghana. Her brother, James resides locally but is not very involved. Maddie also has a job but finds it to be unfulfilling.

Her mother is overbearing to say the least. She wants Maddie to date and get married. She also cites bible verses and always seems to know what is best for her daughter, even though she has been absent for a huge portion of her life.

Maddie is a people pleaser and does not put herself first. She is mature beyond her years in many ways, and not mature at all in others. When her mother comes back to London, Maddie moves into a flat and experiences living with roommate. Maddie makes a list of things the new Maddie should do and embraces them. Along the way, she has many new experiences - some good; some bad.

When Maddie and her family are dealing with horrible news, Maddie must face some "truths" and begins to grow in many aspects of her life.

Maddie was an interesting character, and I wanted many times to tell her to stand up for herself and be strong. To make her voice known and put her foot down. I felt her brother and mother were constantly asking too much from her yet never really took the time to get to know her. I enjoyed and cheered for her as Maddie began to grow and find her voice and footing.

This was a coming-of-age story that looks at culture, family, friendship, responsibility, loyalty, love, and growth. There is also the aspect of the power of a name. Our names are huge part of our identity. Maddie is called Maame from an early age. A name that means woman. She felt the responsibility and power of that name all her life. I found this to be a very interesting part of the story.

I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first part, mainly because I was happy to see change occurring.

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My favorite book this year. Maame is a complex, yet not complicated story of Maddy. She is in her twenties and attempting to find her way in life. Her triumphs and insecurities are explored as she moves out of her parents’ house, gets a new job, navigates the death of her father, attempts to date and just be a “normal” twenty-five-year-old. One of the best parts of the writing in this book is Maddy’s use of google and texting It is current and believable. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of this book.

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I really, really loved this one. Maame manages to be moving and insightful without ever losing its fun and humor. Maddie is a new favorite main character for me and I absolutely loved reading from her point of view. Watching her grow into her own was so rewarding, I can’t even remember the last time I was rooting so hard for a character. The novel touches on grief, friendship, romance, racism, sexism, workplace issues, family drama etc. and all are handled incredibly well. I hope this book gets all the attention it deserves and I can’t wait to read more from the author in the future.

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Charming, poignant, profoundly moving, thought-provoking, and insightful!

A fresh new voice of fiction, author Jessica George's luminous debut, MAAME, will resonate with many and inspire you. Maddie's journey will make you laugh and cry as she speaks from the heart.

From grief, loss, regrets, despair, and love to growing up and finding your way the best you can! Self-identity, starting over, and second chances.

Meet Maddie Wright. Age 25 and carrying a lot of weight on her shoulders with family responsibilities. She missed out on all the fun stuff with her friends.

Madeleine "Maddie" Wright’s family is hard on her and they have high expectations. The daughter of Ghanaian immigrants settled in London, Maddie, is working a dead-end administrative job, and is responsible for the care of her father, whose Parkinson's Disease is now at an advanced stage

Her mother (not a nice person) has left the country to help her brother in Ghana to take care of the family business. But her brother is not helping out and she has the full burden of caring for her father, which she loves.

Maddie is shouldering the financial responsibilities – paying the bills and well as sending money to her mom in Ghana, where she runs a hostel with her brother.

Her father's condition has deteriorated and no one is helping her. She is the sole caretaker on top of the bad job, until the day she has no job.

It is time to recalculate. It is time for her mother to take care of her husband.

Maddie is going to break free and live life on her terms. Move out, get a job in the literary world, write, get some flatmates and an apartment. Even try out clothes, foods, travel, sex, drink, makeup, date, and friendship. Live independently.

However, can she do so without guilt? What does it even look like?

Maame” is her mother’s nickname for Maddie – in their native Twi, it means woman—the responsible one. This name has defined Maddie not only in how she interacts with others but how she perceives herself.

Beautifully rendered and captivating, a book of triumph —you will laugh out loud. I was completely invested in Maddie's character and her journey to self-acceptance. She is wise beyond her years and you will root for her—a highly relatable heroine!

George pens a winner out of the gate with excellent storytelling —a coming-of-age debut while exploring the complexities of navigating two different cultures and workplaces with humor and compassion.

AUDIOBOOK: I read the e-book and switched to the audiobook narrated by Heather Agyepong. The accent, dialogue, and voices were highly authentic and highly entertaining! Highly recommend the audiobook for the whole Maddie experience.

Jessica George is an author to watch—I cannot wait to see what comes next!

Thank you to #StMartinsPress #MacmillanAudio #NetGalley #SMPInfluencers for a gifted ALC and ARC.

Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 31, 2023
My Rating: 5 ✨ STARS
Jan 2023 Must-Read Books

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This one is based on the life of Maddie, a London born Ghanian. This book touched on the Ghanian culture, but mainly how the family structure works.

Maddie is 25 and living at home taking care of her dad who has Parkinson’s. Her mother spends most her time in Ghana, and her brother is too busy with his own life to help often. Maddie is stuck in a dead-end job with a nightmare of a boss and is sick of being the only black person in the room. Everything changes for Maddie when she gets fired and decides to start living her life for herself. Shortly after moving out, tragedy strikes, and Maddie is forced to face the unconventional nature of her family.

This is a book of hope, and it does so with humor. I loved the google searches – it reminded me of, me! I will search everything on google trying to figure things out and learn and Maddie did the same. This book was complex and explored friendships and families and all the ups and downs associated with them. The grief that Maddie felt when things turned tragic, also hit close to home for me, and I appreciated how the author portrayed it.

Celeste Ng called this one “An utterly charming and deeply moving portrait of the joys – and the guilt – of trying to find your own way in life” and I totally agree - this one is fantastic and so moving.

Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher St Martin’s Press, @stmartinspress, for my advanced copy in exchange for this honest review. Check this one out January 31st!

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I thought this book had so much depth and feeling. I did feel like the description was a little misleading, it is quite grim dealing with elder care and chronic illness for the first part and I almost put it down. The characters were solid so I kept going and it lightened up a little in tone.

The character seems very young, she is lying about her father's condition and that was very frustrating for a long portion of the book. It eventually makes sense but it was a bit much.

I really enjoyed it as a character study

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This is the story of Maddie, a woman in her mid twenties that has both had a lot of life experiences and also very few. As a Black woman living in London, she knows what it is to be the only Black person in many spaces and what it is to live with a largely absent mother. On the other hand, Maddie has always lived with her family, has never been romantically involved, and doesn't have much of a social life. Throughout the course of this book, we watch Maddie experience many firsts and "come of age" as a woman while experiencing many of life's dualities.

Maddie's voice is the best thing about this novel. You know who she is pretty deeply within just a few pages, and the pages go down quickly. This also felt fairly YA to me and a tad surface level at times. That being said, this book has so many themes for every reader to relate to. It's funny, it's sad, and I know it's moving some readers greatly. For me, it was a solid 3.5 star read, and I will definitely read this debut author's next book!

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel. I encourage you to check this one out! Really solid read.

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Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press / MacMillan Audio Influencers Program for an eARC and early access to the audiobook of Maame by Jessica George in exchange for an honest review.

CW: death of a parent, terminal illness, mental illness, panic attacks, suicidal ideation, racism, grief, biphobia, homophobia, infidelity, see full list on StoryGraph.

This is one of the strongest books I’ve read all year. Our main character, Maddie, is navigating her “second coming of age” i.e. mid-20s, and is trying to figure out her life as a single, working woman, while also caring for her father who is suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. This novel expertly explores grief and new adulthood in a way that felt reverent and understanding of its unique brand of difficulty. Maddie is so overwhelmed by this process of differentiation from family, as we all inevitably find ourselves, and yet handles being thrown back into the tumult with graceful and honest communication, striving to the best of her ability to be her authentic self.

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Maame means woman in Twi. It’s also the name that Maddie’s mother has called her from an early age.
The book was described as humorous. Well, heads up. There’s nothing humorous about the first section of the book. Maddie’s life is depressing - she cares for a father with advanced Parkinson’s, her mother is in Ghana but still is overbearing, her boss is a cruel idiot. I couldn’t figure out why Maddie lies. She tells no one, not even her close friend, how poorly her father is doing. When she hurts her back lifting her father, she even lies to the doctor. But later in the book, even she realizes why she’s doing it and it makes so much sense.
In many ways, she’s very innocent and young for her age. Oh, I wanted to just take her aside and explain things to her. Although, as one of her friends states, some things you just have to go through yourself. As the book progresses, she starts to find her voice and speak up for herself. As one responsible daughter watching another, I was definitely rooting for her.
The book is partially written as if Maddie is speaking directly to the reader. “You’ve now met my mother, so are at least partway to understanding why I can’t tell her…” Other times, it’s just a straight first person narrative. Maddie has an unhealthy reliance on using Google for everything and we are subjected to her searches. Some of the instances were humorous but I also felt like George was trying to make a point but she was hitting me over the head to make sure I got it.
Overall, this was a lovely debut novel with a fully realized main character. It tackles some difficult themes (grief, racism, depression, parental absence) with insight, strength and compassion. I loved the ending.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

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A fascinating look into how family cultural expectations can clash with the desire for a life as a contemporary single in London. Maddie Wright is the responsible sibling in a Ghanaian family in London.
Her brother stays distant and her mother spends years in Ghana, leaving Maddie (Maame) to care for her father with dementia. When circumstances allow her to finally move out, she jumps at the chance. What ensues gives us a look at the conflict of young adults attempting to live their lives, while being pulled by families ruled with historical ideas of correct behavior.
I wanted Maddie to succeed, and laughed and cried at her attempts.
I definitely recommend this book and look forward to more by Jessica George.

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This is a new to me author and I have to say I am looking forward to reading more by this author! I loved this book

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Maame is an absolutely amazing debut novel from Jessica George. This is the type of book where the story and the emotions stay with you long after you turn the last page and you just want to tell everyone you know to read it so that you can have more people to talk to about the book. The story is written in a raw and emotion laced way that makes you feel like you are really inside of Maddie's head sensing all of the conflicting feelings fighting for air. Maddie is the glue that keeps her family together even if it means putting her entire life on hold and making sacrifices for people who would not do the same in return. When she is given the chance to finally step out on her own she is forced to ask her self who she is and who she wants to be, without her family. A series of life lessons hit her all at once with tremendous force and threaten to destroy the hope she had for becoming someone new, but its in this darkness that her true self begins to shine through. Maddie is a beautifully complex character that I am sad to leave behind but I'm also happy because of how much she has changed and grown.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this digital ARC

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