Maame by Jessica George is a powerful novel that tells the story of Maddie, a young woman who is struggling to make her way in the world of work while burdened with the responsibility of looking after her sick father and dealing with abandonment by her mother and brother. From the first page, I was drawn into Maddie’s world, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.
One of the things I loved most about this novel was the character of Maddie herself. She is a complex and multifaceted character, and I couldn’t help but become invested in her life. She is portrayed as a young woman who is naive and sheltered, but also resilient and determined to find her place in the world. Her struggles with work, love, and family are all too familiar for many of us, and the way the author writes about them is incredibly moving.
The story is written in first person narrative and at certain points the protagonists addresses us readers directly, this and her constant use of google to find answers to some of the questions she has, be it about men, relationships, or illnesses make the narrative incredibly compelling. Maddie is a funny, lovable, and yet vulnerable character that is so easy to empathise with. Her character is an amalgamation of so many females’ struggles, and I found myself relating to her story in so many ways. The fact that she lingered in my thoughts long after I finished reading the book is a testament to the strength and likability of the character.
The relationships between Maddie and her friends are beautifully drawn, as are her interactions with her flatmates and work colleagues. These characters are not just background players in Maddie’s story; they are integral to her journey. I particularly loved the way the author explores the theme of female friendship in this book. Maddie’s friends Nia and Shu are fiercely loyal and supportive, and their relationships with each other are nuanced and authentic.
The novel tackles some heavy themes, including love, relationships, grief, depression, and parental expectations. But despite these weighty topics, the book is a page-turner that had me in tears one minute and in stitches the next. I really liked the way in which the author weaves together Maddie’s struggles with moments of levity and humour. The result is a book that is engaging, emotional, and thought-provoking. The plot moves quickly, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.
In Maame, Jessica George has written a poignant tale of a sheltered girl coming to terms with the realities of life. Through the help of supportive friends, Maddie finds the strength to overcome her struggles and learn to embrace who she is. The novel is a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you feeling like you’ve been on a journey with Maddie, rooting for her every step of the way. Maame is a fantastic novel that I can’t recommend enough. If you are looking for a powerful, character-driven story that tackles heavy themes in a relatable way this is the book for you. Maddie is a character that will stay with you long after you finish the book, and the themes of the novel are incredibly relevant in today’s world. I can’t wait to see what Jessica George writes next.