Reviews

Maame by Jessica George

naimaf's review against another edition

emotional reflective 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

3.5

ashleystraniero's review against another edition

hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

sofi0518's review against another edition

4.0

Maddie is a 25 year old Londoner who is the primary caretaker for her father who has Parkinson's. Her mom and brother are mostly MIA so she is responsible for her dad's care - which doesn't leave any time for a social life. She's at a dead end job at theater company where she is unappreciated. When her mother comes back from Ghana, she takes the plunge and moves out and wants to expand her horizons. As usual, when people make plans, the universe has different ideas.

Maddie has to navigate the binds of cultural traditions, tragedy, bad roommates and even worse boyfriends all while trying to figure out who she is. She is funny and sarcastic (which I absolutely love in a MC) and her growth by the end of the novel is exactly what I love so much about this book.

laurenlgreen's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

mrucker's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted 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

5.0

destaylor_23's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense 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

5.0

This was a great read. While having moments that are sad, it felt raw and relatable. I’d recommended it to daughters of immigrants who feel the weight of the world on them sometimes. 

nikitatamia's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

so beautiful <3 loved reading maddie’s journey to herself and how much she learned along the way!

cheriedoll's review against another edition

5.0

i loved this so much

eloisesal's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful 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

5.0

What a beautiful book. It perfectly captures the kaleidoscope of feelings that come with being in your 20s and trying to figure out who you are and who you want to be. It's also about dealing with mental health issues and breaking away from toxic family dynamics. The characters were all so real and complex and I loved the main character and her friends. I also found it interesting to learn a bit more about growing up in a Ghanaian family in the UK - both the backdrop of Ghanaian culture and Maddie's experiences of everyday racism.

erine's review against another edition

emotional hopeful tense

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Starting out, this did not immediately grab me. Maddie seemed simultaneously too young and innocent, and too mature. She had made it through university and into the workforce, but managed to miss a lot of milestones and growth because she was caring for her father with Parkinson's Disease. Maddie's mother was rarely home, spending long stretches of time in Ghana running a business with her brother. Maddie's brother was very little involved, having a chaotic career and having been allowed to leave all the care to Maddie herself. 

And Maddie is struggling. Not comfortable sharing her family's situation, even her closest friends don't really know just how bad her dad's disease has progressed. Her workplace is increasingly toxic, and Maddie has dwindling resources. When Maddie's mom returns from Ghana, this seems like a golden opportunity. Maddie moves out, finds a new job, and a first real boyfriend.

But almost immediately, what looks like a fresh start sours into a crumbling life. Maddie's new job seems ok, but she really wants more responsibility and her superiors seem to be taking her ideas. Maddie's father dies, creating guilt and additional expenses and responsibilities. Maddie's boyfriend reveals himself to be a scumbag in short order. And she feels awkward with her new flatmates.

Throughout everything, Maddie turns to Google for everyday advice. Her isolation permeates every part of her life as she navigates challenging family, work, relationship, and living situations. Ultimately she must learn to advocate for herself and be honest. By the end, Maddie has grown a bit and there seems to be a brighter future for her. Not without challenges, but with better and more resources. 

I read this at the same time I was reading The Violin Conspiracy. As different as the two books are, both feature young Black protagonists with challenging mothers and families that actively make navigating the world harder. Both experience wild, bigoted (micro)aggressions, and both vacillate between poor youthful decision making and growing maturity.