Maame: A Today Show Read With Jenna Book Club Pick

Written by Jessica George

Narrated by Heather Agyepong

A Today Show #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick

One of BookPage's Best Audiobooks of 2023

"The patchwork elements cooperate with one another both on the page and in the audiobook, thanks to Heather Agyepong’s elegant narration." —New York Times

"Maame is a deeply funny yet emotional novel that comes alive with narration. A great pick for the twenty-something trying to make their way in the world, this audiobook will have you laughing on your commute to work." —USA Today

"Sardonic, authentic, and a little bit sad, it moves along at a brisk pace. Compulsively listenable." —Vulture

Maame (ma-meh) has many meanings in Twi but in my case, it means woman.

It’s fair to say that Maddie’s life in London is far from rewarding. With a mother who spends most of her time in Ghana (yet still somehow manages to be overbearing), Maddie is the primary caretaker for her father, who suffers from advanced stage Parkinson’s. At work, her boss is a nightmare and Maddie is tired of always being the only Black person in every meeting.

When her mum returns from her latest trip to Ghana, Maddie leaps at the chance to get out of the family home and finally start living. A self-acknowledged late bloomer, she’s ready to experience some important “firsts”: She finds a flat share, says yes to after-work drinks, pushes for more recognition in her career, and throws herself into the bewildering world of internet dating. But it's not long before tragedy strikes, forcing Maddie to face the true nature of her unconventional family, and the perils—and rewards—of putting her life on the line.

Smart, funny, and deeply affecting, Jessica George's Maame deals with the themes of our time with humor and poignancy: from familial duty and racism, to female pleasure, the complexity of love, and the life-saving power of friendship. Most important, it explores what it feels like to be torn between two homes and cultures―and it celebrates finally being able to find where you belong.

"Meeting Maame feels like falling in love for the first time: warm, awkward, joyous, a little bit heartbreaking and, most of all, unforgettable." —Xochitl Gonzalez, New York Times bestselling author of Olga Dies Dreaming

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Jan 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781250880680

Jessica George

Jessica George was born and raised in London to Ghanaian parents and studied English Literature at the University of Sheffield. After working at a literary agency and a theatre, she landed a job in the editorial department of Bloomsbury UK. Maame is her first novel.

Reviews for Maame

[jess izeh · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is amazing, I started reading it when I was happy and then I lost my grandpa midway and I went through the emotions she went through as well.
The bit about them sending finger and toe nails clippings back to Ghana is similar to what we have to do for my grandpa but we are sending it to nigeria instead. I hope this book is as soothing as it was to me. Great work!!

[Deyait Watson-Irvine · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful story with the perfect combination of humor and drama. This is worth every second of your time.

[Clara Ingersoll · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this novel. Maddie’s struggles with mental health, life and relationships was relatable and heartbreaking at times. I loved how her character developed through the book.

[Nancy Masters Nelson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was compelling, sincere, and interesting. Maddie’s story feels open almost like talking to a friend. I hope to read more from this author.

[Tamara · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It took me a few chapters to get into this book, but wow once I did it was a great story. I love love love to nice girls finish first. Amazing 10/10 will be reading again. ?

[elizabeth.r.monty · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was alright. Not the most captivating, but solid story and it had my attention mostly.

[Juliette · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic! My favorite read of 20223.
Funny and heart- warming. We are all Maames

[Amanda Okereke · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love love love! The writing and storytelling in this book is so good. And I appreciate that the mom's accent was very accurate. Really resonated with me as my father is Nigerian. Enjoyed Maddies coming of age story.

[loral69 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It is a good book. Slow at first but well written

[T Faciane · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thorough enjoyed my time with these characters. Maddie, her Mom, her two friends and Sam. Maddie struggled in the beginning, but found her footing in the end.