Reviews

Maame by Jessica George

mik_courier's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

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

4.0

nikischmidt's review against another edition

• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

bridge_overbooked's review against another edition

emotional sad slow-paced

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

4.0

I really enjoyed this one! If you're in your 20's, got fired, or have lost a parent, I think you'd definitely enjoy this one. Maddy gives oldest daughter vibes (even though she’s not) and ultimately learns how to work through trauma.

In "Maame," Maddie navigates the complexities of her life in London, from shouldering familial responsibilities to seeking fulfillment in her career and love life. Torn between two cultures and homes, Maddie grapples with identity, love, and the challenges of being a late bloomer in her twenties. Through humor, poignancy, and relatable experiences, the novel explores themes of family dynamics, racism, female pleasure, and the quest for belonging and self-discovery.

aclopez6's review against another edition

4.0

I loved Maddie as a character, but I had to remind myself she was 25, not 19. As mentioned in other reviews, the biphobia is grating and surprising, given that the setting (I assume) is 2020-ish. This would make me uncomfortable recommending this book to patrons. However, an okay coming-of-age story.

seventhevan's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.0

This book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I saw a lot of myself in Maddie, both good and bad. Even though she frustrated me at points I was cheering for her. Really enjoyed this one

dodo_4's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective 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? Yes

4.75

stella_petit's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

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

3.75

nahlaaly56's review against another edition

5.0

What a journey! I don't understand how people say this book is funny! I mean, the protagonist's has a great sense of humour, but that doesn't make the book itself funny, not at all. It is tragic, emotional, insightful, and deeply touching.

darlinged's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

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

3.5

pmrichard1's review against another edition

4.0

- Super readable, although sometimes to the point that it felt like YA. thought the characters were really well done and generally quite realistic. The exploration of parent/child relationships, depression, and grief were all excellent. Some of the plot points felt way too obvious (the will, her getting together with Sam) or unrealistic (going to Ben’s work event without even text him) but overall really enjoyed and teared up at multiple points!