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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
Fantastic debut novel. Maame is a coming of age story about Maddie who has spent her life taking care of her father and who struggles with finding out who she is when she is finally able to move out on her own. Maddie has a unique voice and I enjoyed delving into the Ghanaian culture.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
lighthearted
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
Thank you to #NetGalley and #stmartinspress for the opportunity to read and review this beautiful debut by Jessica George!
I am a white woman in her 40s with degrees in science. From the outside looking in, I have nothing in common with the main protagonist. Maddie is a Black, 25-year-old with Ghanaian roots living in London, trying to find her way in life and the publishing world...and herself. However, I'm not sure I've ever resonated this much with a character before; I felt incredibly seen by Ms. George, something I've struggled with my entire life. I spent a lot of time reading about Maddie's coming of age against the backdrop of grief and guilt through very teary eyes (and some laughter). Maddie is an incredibly endearing, authentic, and strong protagonist (even when she doesn't realize it) and you will spend this whole book rooting for her and the people that support her and actually SEE her. It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. Ms. George writes with such a gentle touch, especially on topics of depression/mental health, race, and of course, grief. I still have some complicated feelings about Maddie's mother, but I suppose that's kind of the point. Maddie deals with that relationship with much more grace than maybe her mother deserves, but I think it also speaks to a certain level of maturity that Maddie has had for a long time despite her young age.
This is one of those books that I will end up buying a hard copy of because I want it to live on my shelves with my other favorites. I look forward to adding more novels from Ms. George as she writes them!
I am a white woman in her 40s with degrees in science. From the outside looking in, I have nothing in common with the main protagonist. Maddie is a Black, 25-year-old with Ghanaian roots living in London, trying to find her way in life and the publishing world...and herself. However, I'm not sure I've ever resonated this much with a character before; I felt incredibly seen by Ms. George, something I've struggled with my entire life. I spent a lot of time reading about Maddie's coming of age against the backdrop of grief and guilt through very teary eyes (and some laughter). Maddie is an incredibly endearing, authentic, and strong protagonist (even when she doesn't realize it) and you will spend this whole book rooting for her and the people that support her and actually SEE her. It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. Ms. George writes with such a gentle touch, especially on topics of depression/mental health, race, and of course, grief. I still have some complicated feelings about Maddie's mother, but I suppose that's kind of the point. Maddie deals with that relationship with much more grace than maybe her mother deserves, but I think it also speaks to a certain level of maturity that Maddie has had for a long time despite her young age.
This is one of those books that I will end up buying a hard copy of because I want it to live on my shelves with my other favorites. I look forward to adding more novels from Ms. George as she writes them!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
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:
Yes
Quick read and such a page turner! There were so many relatable things about Maddie that made her lovable. The constant obsessive googling … I do that too. This is a book for eldest daughters, only daughters, and lost 20 something girls. It was kind of like HBO’s Girls but with an actually likable protagonist. It reminded me of Chewing Gum a little as well, but less comedy. I was happy Maddie got her happy ending and it made me want to call my dad <3. Definitely a beautiful book with lots of heart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicide, Grief, Death of parent
fast-paced