Title: Maame
Author: Jessica George
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: January 31, 2023
Category: Fiction; Women’s Fiction; Chick-Lit; Contemporary
A London coming-of-age story that blends laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt family drama and cultural depth.
There is something about chick-lit set in London that does it for me. Maame by Jessica George delivers with aplomb.
Many at 25 years of age have already set off on their own, begun to figure out living independently, managing their friend groups and relationships. Well, Maddie’s life isn’t like that. Her mother spends most of her time in Ghana, her brother is busy doing what she should be doing, and her father is chronically ill, leaving Maddie to be the responsible one and take care of him. When her mother returns from her most recent trip to Ghana, Maddie takes the opportunity to move out and begin living for herself. Then tragedy strikes.
Although, somewhat predictable, Maame quenches the thirst for quality women’s fiction. Jessica George not only manages to accurately depict the horror story that is the dating scene in the present day and age, she does it with a black protagonist, highlighting the even more numerous factors and difficulties that go into dating for a person of color. The theme continues to the workplace as well. This is all included and addressed with admirable grace.
Maddie was a very relatable main character; many readers will be able to connect. I was able to because I also took care of my parents when they were ailing. She is a wonderful daughter and an amazing person, but she has some distinct flaws and faces some trials and tribulations. The more minor characters could’ve been better fleshed out, although they fit the needs of the story. The Ghanaian culture that was included in the tale skillfully illustrated how it fit into the puzzle pieces of who Maddie had been and her confusion in who she’d like to be.
It’s a fairly quick read. There are moments that are laugh-out-loud funny and moments that will bring tears to the readers’ eyes. The writing elicits feelings of hope, of righteous indignation, winces for the ‘Did you really just do/say that, Maddie?’ moments, and overall wishing the best for her. It carries some weighty themes with strong shoulders and gentle hands, efficaciously delivering a powerful package.
Maame is a story that I believe most fans of chick-lit (women’s fiction) would enjoy. Most women will be able to connect to Maddie’s story to some degree.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓🤓– A heartfelt, funny, and moving story of self-discovery and cultural identity.
Let’s discuss: What coming-of-age novels have made you laugh and cry in equal measure?
Find more about Maame on St. Martin’s Press site.