Maame A Novel by Jessica George

 

Book Excerpt:

""An utterly charming and deeply moving portrait of the joys––and the guilt––of trying to find your own way in life." ––Celeste Ng, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Meeting Maame feels like falling in love for the first time: warm, awkward, joyous, a little heartbreaking, and, most of all, unforgettable." ––Xochitl Gonzalez, New York Times bestselling author of Olga Dies Dreaming

Maame (ma-meh) has many meanings in Twi, but in my case, it means woman.

It's fair to say that Maddie's life in London is far from rewarding. With a mother who spends most of her time in Ghana (yet still manages to be overbearing), Maddie is the primary caretaker for her father, who suffers from advanced-stage Parkinson's. In addition, her boss is a nightmare at work, and Maddie is tired of always being the only Black person in every meeting.

When her mum returns from her latest trip to Ghana, Maddie leaps at the chance to get out of the family home and finally start living. A self-acknowledged late bloomer, she's ready to experience some important "firsts": She finds a flatshare, says yes to after-work drinks, pushes for more recognition in her career, and throws herself into the bewildering world of internet dating. But it's not long before tragedy strikes, forcing Maddie to face the true nature of her unconventional family and the perils––and rewards––of putting her heart on the line.

Intelligent, funny, and profoundly affecting, Jessica George's Maame deals with the themes of our time with humor and poignancy: from familial duty and racism to female pleasure, love's complexity, and friendship's life-saving power. Most importantly, it explores what it feels like to be torn between two homes and cultures and celebrates finally finding where you belong."

Title: Maame
Author: Jessica George
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Maame" by Jessica George

My Sentiments:
'Maame' was one profound story that would be humourous and sad. All that Madeleine Wright, 25 years old, living in London, had to go through was quite painful, losing one's father [to Parkinson;s disease] and having an absent mother [living in Ghana] and brother [who also lived there in London]. Maame had to be the caregiver to her father, who was ill until her mom returned from Ghana. Now, why was this ... story going in the direction it did, where we find Maame's life was torn between her life and her family. We find Madeleine was the one that sacrificed her family, her home, her jobs, and her friends. And while at home, where were her mom and brother? It was interesting to learn more about her mother, brother, and even father, who loved his daughter and had to become a woman too soon. We find Maame [who met a woman] was also busy working on 'self-development, handling grief and struggling to find love and acceptance.'

The story will feature 'racism, dysfunctional family, and grief, with one finding their way in life, family, friends, and culture.' Will Madeleine [Maame] make it out of this situation she has been placed in by the end? This story will be long, so be prepared for a read that leaves everything by the lot.

This is where I say the reader will have to pick up this author's first novel, "Maame' to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, St Martin's Press, for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.