Reviews tagging 'Sexual assault'

Maame by Jessica George

33 reviews

jesssicawho's review

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Published: January 2023

How I discovered: The bright cover stood out to me and I kept seeing the book mentioned online

What I liked: I appreciated Maddie's honest and authentic voice, she was relatable and seemed very "real." This was a very modern and believable coming of age story. We watch Maddie evolve and grow over the course of the book, deal with her grief and depression, and learn to trust herself.

What I didn't: There wasn't anything I didn't like, per se. I found myself getting a little bored toward the end of the book, but the author wrapped it up nicely.

What I learned: My experience as a 20-something woman was a while ago - but the themes of family, relationships, power dynamics, mental health are timeless.

Quote: “How do you know if you're genuinely happy or if you're just mostly all right, with sprinkles of laughter and occasional shit storms of sadness?”

Recommended: I don't think this is a "must-read" but I would recommend for a light read.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent

Minor: Sexual assault

winchested's review

The sexual assault b this wasn’t really identified when I was looking at triggers… or maybe I didn’t catch it. Either way, it’s hitting too close to home and I don’t really think I can continue with this book which is really unfortunate because I otherwise like it.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault

lindsayerin's review

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders

Minor: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Racism

purplepenning's review

emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

This is an exceptionally written character-driven book (with a couple of plot-driven gut punches) that captures the current moment in a way that reminds me of Such a Fun Age. For some reason, I didn't realize the depth of the grief and loss that would be explored, so definitely check those content notes. It also explores racism in the workplace and relationships, pressures of first gen immigrants, modern dating, Google as parent/mentor/friend, loneliness, sexual pressure and pleasure for women, found family, mental health, and more. It's all packed into a deceptively simple story about a daughter with an overly developed sense of responsibility and an underdeveloped support system. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief

Moderate: Abandonment, Alcohol, Biphobia, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Cursing, and Homophobia

Minor: Suicide

More specifics on the grief and loss:

Maddie's experiences surrounding the death of a parent are a gut punch, including a missed opportunity to say goodbye, the painful conversations surrounding the arrangement of services, and the grieving process afterwards

rljenn's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent and Terminal illness

Moderate: Sexual assault

mdal26's review

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Racism, and Sexual assault

tsodeur's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This started slow for me but I liked where it went. Maddie is complicated and lovable and relatable at times and just all around a character you truly feel you’re in her head. 4.5 stars rounded up. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Dementia, Grief, Death of parent, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content

Moderate: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Racism, Infidelity, Racial slurs, Bullying, Cursing, and Panic attacks/disorders

Minor: Suicide and Suicidal thoughts

arabellaruby's review

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent, Terminal illness, and Mental illness

Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Rape, and Sexual assault

darkhorse488's review

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Even though my life and background are very different from Maddie’s, I identified so much with her character and many of her family and mental health struggles. There are a lot of dark themes in this book (depression, family trauma, and grief) but Maame handles all of them in an incredibly thoughtful and sensitive way and this book ultimately has a very hopeful ending. I adored this novel and would definitely recommend to others looking for great coming of age novels with complicated protagonists struggling with finding their identity and voice.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness and Death of parent

Moderate: Sexual content, Xenophobia, and Racism

Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual assault

ablaine's review

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

If you can’t afford therapy, I would prescribe this book for anyone who wants to learn more about grief, depression, anxiety, intergenerational trauma and so much more. There are some really solid lessons the main character experiences in the course of reflecting on her role as “Maame” or “mother” in her family, even as the youngest daughter. Jessica George crafted excellent characters that are complex and believable. Reading this writing gave me the impression of effervescence, a bubbling up that was unexpected at times, but overall intriguing and pleasing. Can’t wait to read more from this author. 

I received a digital advance reader copy from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. I also listened to the audiobook. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Grief, Hate crime, and Sexual content

Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, and Mental illness