Maame

A phenomenal debut novel, Maame is the tale of a woman named Maddie as she begins to gain her independence in her mid twenties and her struggles with her ongoing devotion to family and faith.

You follow as Maddie moves into her own flat for the first time - and, with her independence previously restricted due to a traditional and religious upbringing - explores new ventures. Online dating, drinking, flatmates with mixed intentions - it is a relatable read for just about anybody in their early twenties. The book does not shy away from Maddie’s existence, and the struggles that accompany it, as a Black woman - tackling microaggressions in every form; at the workplace, in relationships, in friendships.

This was stunning and the most wonderful read - I could not put it down, the author writes in a manner that is so engaging and vivid. The storyline is almost mundane - there is no real shock, no real plot twist - this is a journey of grief and adolescence - but its simplicity is what makes it. The writer takes every day subjects and portrays them in a way that is so palpable and brilliant. Each character you feel like you know, there is a whole diverse ensemble who are carved out perfectly that you get to know across the novel.

Thank you to netgalley for the arc.

In Maame, we follow the journey of Maddie who at 25, is the loyal daughter who lives at home caring for her father whilst her mother and brother are in Ghana, taking care of the family business. When Maddie’s mum returns from her latest trip to Ghana, Maddie has the opportunity to leave home and start living her own life. However, life is never that straightforward and simple.
This is a heart warming story of a woman trying to find her place in a complicated world.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read and review this emotional ARC.

Heart-rendering, emotive, sensitive novel with such a soul. I adored it. I adored Maame. A brilliant debut - congratulations to Jessica George!

I really, really, enjoyed reading this book. I laughed and almost cried at certain points. The book follows Maddie or Maame as her mum calls her, as she finally moves out of her home to experience a new life outside of taking care of her family. We see Maddie experience dating, navigate flatmate relationships, and the difficulty and pressure that comes from being a daughter of an immigrant family.
Jessica George has done an excellent job of creating a rich, inner life for Maddie and vivid secondary characters. I almost didn't want the book to end because it was just that good.

A phenomenal debut by Jessica George, detailing the life of Maddie, a British-born Ghanaian woman left to care for her father, who has Parkinson's, while her mother is running a business in Ghana, and her older brother has more important things to do.
At the age of 25, Maddie is saddled with more responsibility than she should have, and her family nickname, Maame, becomes more of a stone around her neck than a bit of affection.
Maame means Mother, and she has become that far too early in her life.
Maddie also has to deal with microaggression at work, being the only black person in her company and finding that she is either overlooked or not understood.
This story shows the coming of Maddie, or at least the coming out of Maddie from Maame's shadow.
She's been so busy caring for her father and just allowing life to pass her by, that when the opportunity arises for her to move out, thanks to her mother moving back home, she grabs the opportunity by the horns, complete with a list of things she needs to achieve to feel that she has finally graduated to a real adult.
Only life isn't always that simple.
There is a clash of two cultures, the value of real friendship, being touted as the token POC in work, and within the dating community, too. And death and depression, too.
I know, first-hand, how mental health can be swept under the carpet in many cultural backgrounds, and this has been brilliantly explored by the author in this book, too. I truly enjoyed this.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

An enchanting debut, and can already tell this will be a read of 2023.

Maddie's life is complicated- she googles nearly everything and has many life changes in a short space of time. Her family life is interesting to read and I appreciated learning about Ghanian culture.

Being a PA and her having the same job as me, was good to see as I rarely see this and I liked it.

The complexities of living with other people, attempting the dating scene, was all relatable and timely.

The added pressure of Maddie being a carer was also welcomed. I hope this supports and role models young carers who must often feel excluded.

A book for a young misfit in the best possible way- maybe to help us realise that there really isnt one size fits all.

Enlightening, moving, engaging.

Maddie feels stuck in life - a job that doesn't fulfil her, and at home looking after her declining father, feeling guilty for even considering moving out, but also fed up of watching everyone else around her living their lives.
I really felt for Maddie, feeling angry at some of her family and friends actions throughout. Her mother constantly ENRAGED me, as well as her brother and how they just knew that Maddie would always take responsibility and pick up after everyone.
Everyone needs friends like Nia and Shu, hilarious but also genuine true friends who were there for Maddie at her lowest.
There was so much insight into how much casual racism is ingrained in society, from the workplace to relationships, and it *should* be making everyone so angry.

This was an absolutely stunning debut, it deserves so much praise upon its release.

Even though Maddie is in her mid twenties and has a lot more responsibility and pressure than is normal for her age , She is in someways naive and trusting, do this is a coming of age for her and it’s cleverly written and gripping. It’s hard to believe that this is a debut book and I’m looking forward to reading the author’s next book. It’s gripping, sweet and funny in places.

Maame has several meanings in Twi but when applied to Maddie it means woman and oh boy, does she have to grow up quickly. She becomes the primary carer for her father who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease while her mother spends most of her time working in Ghana. Even from a distance her mother rules the roost and is an expert in the art of manipulation and less tour and more force. When her mother returns home for a while Maddie takes the opportunity to move out and start living the more normal life of someone in their 20s. When tragedy strikes it forces Maddie to reassess a multitude of issues.

What a beautiful read this is, Maddie captivates me from the start and I become fully immersed and engaged in her life as she faces all her ups and downs. It’s sad at times and at others it’s poignant, sweet, tender and very moving especially the relationship between Maddie and her father which is written with such empathy and love. You want to yell at her mother and brother whose selfish use of Maddie makes you so angry. Maddie is such an endearing character, she’s bright, somewhat of an innocent and a bit naive but she’s very caring while keeps her emotions in check until she doesn’t. Then I’m cheering her on from the sidelines loving her telling certain characters exactly how it is! She makes me laugh too, I love her Google questions and who doesn’t have conversations with themselves? I love both the old and the new Maddie.

This is a book that takes you on a journey, that of an an an awakening and a voyage of self discovery. It sounds includes some difficult topics but does so really well and with sensitivity. I love the ending, in fact, scrap that, I love the whole book. It’s feels fresh, different and is a wonderfully written debut novel. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading Maame and getting to know Maddie and all of the characters (well, some of them!). This is a really contemporary novel - I loved the google responses to some of those life questions and it served as a poignant way to remind us of Maddie's loneliness. We also saw very clearly the way one woman's life can be so affected by the racist and patriarchal systems and structures in which she lives and the complexities that come for her as a result. The questions and the uncertainty of it all...

I loved watching Maddie grow in confidence throughout the novel (although thankfully, not in a straight line as life isn't quite like that) and thought Jessica George did a brilliant job of translating the pain and struggles of losing a father.

An incredible debut from Jessica George with an all too authentic central protagonist in the irresistible twenty something Maddie Wright that you will not be able to stop yourself rooting for. This is vibrant and witty storytelling, of the complexities of families, race, culture, being a woman, growing up, self development with all its joys and pain, and becoming secure in your identity. Maame is what her so often absent mother called her from when she was little, it has numerous meanings in Twi but commonly it means woman. In practice, this has meant Maddie has been over burdened by family responsibilities when she should have been experiencing a chilhood, resulting in her missing out on so much in life, and in everything that others of her age take for granted, whilst employment for her is far from a happy affair.

Maddie's overbearing mother spends a lot of time in Ghana managing a hostel, and her brother has been of little help, as she takes her care of her father, suffering from advanced stage Parkinson's. Upon the return of her mother, Maddie takes the opportunity to leave home and finally begin to start living life, moving into a flat share, keen to experience all that she can, both at work and in her personal life. A naive and lacking in self esteem Maddie finds herself going through life's natural ups and downs, including betrayal, until she is hit by a tragedy that immerses her into a world of guilt as she hits rock bottom. The narrative has Maddie examining how being 'Maame' has shaped expectations of her, of being a 'woman' before her time, of how her family see her and her relationships, and perhaps more importantly how she has let it mould her own sense of identity. It is time for things to change and for Maddie to be who and what she wants to be.

This is a wonderfully captivating, moving, at times heartbreaking, humorous and an emotional read, of all that life can be, the struggles and the joy, of life, love, loss and grief, race, of family, cultural and gender expectations, a late coming of age story, and learning to find and be true to yourself in a world that does not always make this an easy process. The highlight for me throughout is the character of Maddie, she shines as she faces the challenges that life throws at her, on her journey to acknowledging, accepting and becomin confident in who she is, in all her glorious differences. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

Wow this book was so powerful! I laughed and cried and felt so many emotions reading this book. Best read of 2022! I’ll definitely be picking up a physical book to go on my bookshelf.

I could NOT put this book down!! This is an incredibly impressive debut novel by Jessica George, and I can’t wait for it to be released so that I can purchase a physical copy and tell everyone to do the same.

Almost everyone in Madeleine Wright’s life calls her “Maddie”, but to her parents, she’s “Maame”. The name, meaning “woman” in Twi, made Maddie feel older, wiser and more responsible as a child. However, as she became a young adult, the name started to represent the familial expectation of how a daughter is supposed to care for everyone in her family. This novel depicts Madeleine’s journey to finding her own identity and the tension between being “Maddie” and being “Maame”.

Maddie is intelligent, hardworking, and puts family-especially her ill father- before everything and everyone else. As a result, she’s struggled to find her own identity. Jessica takes care in illustrating what it’s like to be a WOC to parents who are set in traditional and religious belief systems, while warning their children to not speak of what happens inside the household. The resulting feelings of isolation was something I could strongly relate to. Just like Maddie, I too believe that everything in life can be solved through a Google search, because trusting people enough to confide in them does not come easily when you are taught to not speak about your home life.

When Maddie’s mother returns from one of her many trips to Ghana, Maddie is presented with the opportunity to move out and experience a life outside of her family’s shadow. Experiencing Maddie’s journey is delightful and, at times, heartbreaking. The story touches on topics of micro-aggressions in the workplace, unconscious racism that seeps into dating experiences and general anxiety disorder (and how people often can’t define what they’re experiencing because they are told to not talk about these feelings).

I love this style of writing and narration mostly because you find yourself in the protagonist’s head. In the case of Maame, I feel like I am getting to know a new friend. This novel delivers on well-written characters (especially the main character), a gripping storyline that has you hanging on until the last sentence, and perfect pacing. I can’t wait to read more of Jessica’s work!

Maame is a ravishingly funny, moving, intriguing and remarkable. As a debut novel, it is first class for a young girl trying to find her voice. You meet Maddie and you fall in love with her innocence, her vulnerability, her openness to find out about life and living. She is a caring dotting daughter, a loyal friend, a wonderful sister and a hard working employee. Her search for love is a connection point for all those who want to feel special in the relationships they are in. Her choice of partners is questionable, but isn't that what growing up is all about? What is touching is her special relationship with her dad. Despite his illness, she is there for him, juggling all the things in her life just to take care of him. Her love for him continues, unquestioning and solid. By going in between different cultures, - British and Ghanian, Maame is an intersectional piece that sensitively bridges many gaps. The digital space is enhanced as Maddie makes Google her friend and her life coach. This book is a must read in a modern era. Jessica George - well done!

Just stunning. Maddie is such a strong and beautifully written protagonist. The crucial message being to talk!! Talk about problems or thoughts or feelings. Sharing is caring in order to protect our minds. Wonderful and empowering. Total recommend

My god what a debut!

Maddie is 25 and still living at home in order to care for her dad who has parkinsons. Her mum spends most of her time in Ghana and her older brother can never seem to find the time to help out. Her job is rubbish, her love life is non existent and she just feels unable to say 'yes' to anything fun that might come her way.

When her mum comes home Maddie has the opportunity to move out for the first time in her life. Suddenly the world seems to open up to her - a new job, dates, time spent with friends. Until tragedy strikes.

Maddie is a protagonist that you just want the world for. She is so likeable and her struggle with even realising she's suffering with depression feels all too real. The friendships are also second to none.

I loved this and pretty much flew through it in a day, I hope it gets the reception it richly deserves!

Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to review this book!

Wow, I loved this book! I did not want to put it down. I was really rooting for Maame to find happiness and was not disappointed. The book was really well written and I will definitely be looking out for more books by Jessica George. The ending was beautiful!

Absolutely adored this book! A beautifully written story of grief and self discovery. Really loved the way Maddie’s character was developed throughout and I loved to see a believable happy ending!
Fully intend on purchasing a physical copy of this when it’s released.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the eARC.

A wonderful debut novel by Jessica George, this is sure to be a hit of 2023. This is a heart warming, emotion filled, coming of age story. Maddie or Maame to her family has had a lot on her shoulders at her young age and we get to follow her spread her wings and flourish on her own, exploring independence and freedom along with all the up's and down's that come's with it. This is a powerful story with so much covered, growing up in a religious, immigrant family, navigating and struggling with life as a Black woman and suffering through the journey of grief to mention a few.

Jessica George's writing style pulls you right in the story and you won't want to put this down.

Talk about one hell of debut,