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A review by erine
Maame by Jessica George
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.
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.
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.