A review by smkelly1997
Maame by Jessica George

challenging dark emotional funny 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? Yes

4.25

Maddie has been the Maame (translation: woman) of her family as long as she can remember. She has taken on the role of caring for her dying father, paid for the family’s bills, and single handily run her household for as long as she can remember. That is until her mother returns home allowing Maddie to finally leave home at 25 years of age and discover who she is and not who her family wants her to be.
Maame is central themes of love and loss, complex family dynamics, mental health, race, and the dynamics of a first generation Ghanaian are prevalent through the book. Maddie character provides a charming yet relatable moments as she googles her way through life, overshares with those around her, and obsesses over a yellow pant suit. These themes along with Maddie’s relatability culminate in a refreshing take on a coming of age story following a 25 year old young woman as she navigates a whole new world. 
I would highly recommend the audiobook version read by Heather Agyepong. Her voice acting not only brings the accidents to life but places you inside of Maddie’s head. Experiencing the world as she does.   (I think had a read the book it would have been a 4.25. The voice acting put it over the top)
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