Maame by Jessica George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“When people are ill to the point of no return to full health, to the person they used to be, some don’t have the stomach to stick around. We don’t appreciate being reminded of our own body’s weaknesses, our lack of control and inevitable mortality.”
This is the story of Maddie who’s been spending her twenties taking care of her dad who has Parkinson’s while her mom is helping with the family business in Ghana and her brother is living his own life instead of helping out. When her mom comes back for a year, Maddie finally moves out and starts living the life she’s been missing out on.
I fell in love with Maddie’s voice almost immediately. She’s struggling yes, and there are cases where she makes choices that absolutely drive you mad and there are situations that make you so sad for her but you also know she’s resilient and strong and you can’t help but root for her.
“It’s an ordinary week within the most extraordinary circumstances because apparently—and this is what everyone fails to mention about the grieving process—I still have to live.”
There are several other topics explored in this story with the central one being around grief, family, racism and friendship. It’s a really beautiful novel that I read in one sitting. Can’t wait to read more of this author.
with gratitude to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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