“Maame” by Jessica George – A Review
⭐ Rating: 4.25/5
Year Published: 2023
Genre: Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Page Count: 320
Quick Summary
Maame follows Maddie Wright, a 25-year-old British Ghanaian woman who has always put family first, acting as the primary caregiver for her father, who suffers from advanced Parkinson’s disease. When her mother returns from Ghana, Maddie finally moves out and begins exploring adulthood—dating, friendships, and the independence she’s long been denied. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes, she is forced to confront her grief, identity, and what it truly means to live life on her own terms.
What I Loved
A Relatable Protagonist – Maddie’s journey of self-discovery felt so real. While I’m not Ghanaian or in my twenties, I deeply connected with her struggles—feeling like you’re constantly figuring things out but not fully engaging in life. Her attempts at navigating independence, relationships, and career aspirations while juggling family expectations made her a compelling and deeply human character.
Exploration of Grief – This was the aspect of the book that hit me the hardest. Maddie’s grief after the unexpected loss of her father felt so raw and real. The way she processed it—through avoidance, spiraling emotions, and ultimately self-reflection—was incredibly moving and, for me, the most resonant part of the story.
Relationships & Cultural Identity – Maddie’s interactions with men were fascinating to read. She’s figuring out what she wants in a partner, making mistakes along the way, and learning from them. Her cultural background also plays a huge role in her identity, and I found it so interesting how she navigated dual identities—one as a British young woman, the other as the Ghanaian daughter of immigrants with deep-rooted family expectations.
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me
A Meandering Narrative – The book sometimes felt a little unfocused, bouncing between Maddie’s relationships, work struggles, friendships, and family life. While this made the story feel very slice-of-life, I occasionally wished for a tighter plot.
Who Should Read This?
If you enjoy character-driven coming-of-age stories, especially those that explore grief, cultural identity, and navigating adulthood, Maame is a must-read. Fans of Yaa Gyasi, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, or Candice Carty-Williams will likely love it.
Final Thoughts
I’m so glad I finally picked this one up! Maddie’s story is funny, heartbreaking, and deeply introspective, capturing what it feels like to be stuck between expectations and self-discovery. Her journey toward happiness and peace felt well-earned and left me feeling satisfied. While I didn’t love every aspect of the storytelling, Maame was a powerful and beautifully written debut—one I’d absolutely recommend.
