A review by bookedupandbusy
Maame by Jessica George

5.0

This is how you do realistic character development. This is a great debut. The growth of Maddie’s character was exceptional. The one thing that stood out for me in this book was the father-daughter relationship bond.

I love a story set in South London and I loved Maddie. In this coming of age story, she is written to be naive but she wasn’t immature. I empathised with her. At 25, trying to find herself and juggle settling into her career, caring for her sick father, and managing her selfish mother and brother, she had so many challenges but handled them with pure grace. I loved her flaws because they were relatable; she was an over thinker that Googled everything.

The story explores heavy themes of death and grief, but there is a light humorous tone throughout, especially Maddie’s reflections of her own dating antics and sexual encounters, and from her mother, who was very comical. There are quite a few laugh out loud moments.

Maddie’s friendship dynamics and work colleagues highlighted the expectations and pressures placed on black women to fit in in certain spaces. She was trying to keep up with some friends but it was clear that their lifestyles and cultural expectations never aligned.

I appreciated learning about Ghanaian culture and practices in times of death and grief. It was these times that Maddie was learning and coming into her culture herself.

Some parts of the storyline were predictable, especially when she moved home and began dating. But then I think; was it predictable, or was the writing so authentic and true to life that I just knew what was coming, as I have experienced Maddie’s situations with my own friends - it was real!

Maddie’s mental health is a major focus of the story. The disagreements between Maddie and her Ghanaian God fearing mother really shone a light on the importance of mental health and speaking to a specialist when you also believe in God.

I really enjoyed this one.❤️