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Maame

By: Jessica George
Narrated by: Heather Agyepong
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Publisher's summary

A Today Show #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick

ALA Alex Awards winner (Adult for Young Adults), 2024

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.

©2023 Jessica George (P)2023 Macmillan Audio
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Interview: In "Maame", Jessica George Taps into the Relatability of Loneliness and Grief

'The biggest regret people usually have is how much time they spent with someone who is now gone...'
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  • Maame
  • 'The biggest regret people usually have is how much time they spent with someone who is now gone...'

Editorial Review

An irresistible coming-of-age story
Jessica George’s flawless debut explores a young British Ghanaian woman grappling with delayed adulthood and the burden of family secrets. Maddie Wright has earned the nickname Maame (“the responsible one”) taking care of her Parkinson’s afflicted father while her mother stays in Ghana and her brother James lives his life unencumbered. Her mother’s return signals Maddie to move out, but her awkward steps toward newfound independence lead to new hurts and complicated truths. Heather Agyepong voices Maddie with the perfect mix of sharpness and vulnerability, making Maddie’s blossoming a delight to listen to—my heart hurts when hers breaks, and I can’t help but cheer alongside her moments of triumph and joy. —Margaret H., Audible Editor

What listeners say about Maame

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Real, raw & refreshing

Maame encompasses all of the words you want to say as a young person, a woman, a child of immigrants & so much more. It is well written, performed as I imagined it & left me wanting more. I’d love to read a sequel or better yet, see it on the screen (Michaela Coel as Maddie!).

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Beautiful narrative

Loved this book. Well . Definitely a great read for those of us dealing with older parents. Highly recommend.

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Loved the narration

it was like watching a movie, I couldn’t stop listening. So many topics I can identify with. The honesty of her thought processes is refreshing

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Great narration and story!

I loved learning about the Ghanaian culture and commonalities of a developing young woman who navigates living on her own, drawing boundaries with family and friendships. I especially appreciated the narration leaving me with a deeper appreciation for the accent and vocal structure of another culture.

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loved it

A beautiful story with one of the best narrations I've heard. Loved Maddy's journey

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Incredible ending

It’s the end for me! Maddie became a butterfly in its most glorious form. I wish the character well.

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Real Relationships

I really loved reading this book because the relationships were so real. Each character came alive and the connections Maddie had with family and friends kept the story fluid. The author digs deep into the culture and family struggles and the honesty of this hits close to home . Definitely recommend this for your reading list!

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This book

I cannot rave enough about this book! A great coming of age story, I would definitely recommend!

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All the emotions!

Excellent narrating! It makes it very to easy to follow conversations. Easy to follow story with a feel good ending. Be ready with a tissue and experience some chuckles too.

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Beautiful

Overall amazing! This is an engaging and heart breaking at times. Narration is perfection and engaging!

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