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Book club questions for Maame by Jessica George dive deep into the themes of familial duty, female pleasure, cultural identity, and the complexities of love.
Jessica George’s debut novel follows Maddie, a young woman living in London who is the primary caregiver for her father suffering from advanced stage Parkinson’s. When her mother returns from Ghana, Maddie is finally given the chance to start living, but a tragedy forces her to confront the true nature of her unconventional family.
How does Maddie’s cultural background impact her experiences and relationships? In what ways does her family’s secrecy affect her ability to form intimate connections? How does the novel explore the complexities of female pleasure and intimacy, and the role they play in Maddie’s journey?
Maame is a fresh and poignant coming-of-age story that tackles contemporary issues such as racism, cultural identity, and the challenges of adulthood. As Maddie navigates through the peaks and troughs of growth and self-discovery, what lessons does she learn about herself, her family, and the world around her?
George’s writing style has been praised for its natural cadence and the depth and believability of her characters. As readers follow Maddie’s journey of self-discovery, they will be drawn into the peaks and troughs of her experiences, feeling a sense of connection and trust in her character.
Before joining the book club discussion for Maame, make sure to read this funny, awkward, and often painful but deeply affecting novel that will leave you rooting for Maddie’s emancipation. Be prepared to delve into the themes of cultural identity, familial duty, and the complexity of love, and share your own interpretations and opinions in a thought-provoking book club session.
The Synopsis
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 heart 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.
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Selected Reviews for Maame
“Her fresh, vulnerable voice speaks directly to readers, without hiding behind glibness or easy self-assurance. George writes with a natural cadence that keeps the story engaging, her characters multidimensional, each of them deeply believable….Readers will be drawn into the peaks and troughs with this intrepid protagonist, feeling a sense of connection to and trust in her character. Maame isn’t always an easy story to read, but it is always told with grace and compassion. As Maddie breaks through layers of family secrecy, it’s a pleasure to watch her navigate the challenges of growth and growing up, to address what it means to be an adult and to live a full life.” ―The Washington Post
“A wry, compassionate debut novel…Full of dry humor and entirely relatable moments, Maame is a warmhearted, often hilarious account of one woman’s journey through her awkward yet exciting 20s. Readers will root for Maddie to find self-confidence and happiness, both at work and in her personal life…George’s narrative is a tribute to all women who make the effort―no matter how difficult or confusing―to take control of their own lives.” ―Shelf Awareness
“I loved every page of this beautiful, heartwarming, empowering book. The world is going to fall in love with Maddie―she stole quietly into my heart and made herself at home there. An exceptional debut from an incredibly exciting new talent.” ―Beth O’Leary, bestselling author of The Flatshare
“This book is going to be EVERYWHERE next year. A truly sparkling coming of age tale. Vividly drawn, witty and heartbreaking.” ―Julie Owen Moylan, author of That Green-Eyed Girl
Book Club Questions for Maame
Spoiler alert: my book club questions contain spoilers, so make sure to discuss them after you’ve finished reading.
1. How does Maddie’s biracial identity shape her experiences in both Ghana and London? In what ways does she feel a sense of belonging or disconnect in each place?
2. One of the central themes of Maame is the idea of “firsts” and the many experiences Maddie has for the first time throughout the novel. What role do these “firsts” play in Maddie’s journey towards self-discovery and independence?
3. Maddie is faced with a number of challenges throughout the novel, from navigating difficult family relationships to dealing with workplace discrimination. How does she handle these challenges, and what can we learn from her experiences?
4. The character of Maame, Maddie’s mother, is an important presence throughout the novel, despite her physical absence for much of it. What do we learn about Maame’s values and personality through her interactions with Maddie and the stories she shares about her past?
5. Maame deals with a variety of important contemporary topics, from racism and identity to family duty and female pleasure. How does Jessica George’s writing style contribute to the exploration of these themes, and what impact does the book have on readers?
6. Maddie’s relationship with her father, who suffers from advanced stage Parkinson’s disease, is a central aspect of the novel. How does Maddie navigate the challenges of being a caretaker, and what impact does her father’s illness have on her personal growth and relationships?
7. The plot of Maame is driven by a number of unexpected events, including a family tragedy and the revelation of long-held family secrets. How do these events impact the characters and their relationships with one another, and what do they reveal about the nature of family and identity?
8. Maddie’s experiences with internet dating are a recurring theme throughout the novel. How does her journey in this realm reflect larger societal attitudes towards dating and relationships, and what does it reveal about Maddie’s own desires and values?
9. Throughout Maame, Maddie is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about her family and herself. How does she grapple with these realizations, and what impact do they have on her personal growth and relationships with those around her?
10. In the end, Maame is a story about finding one’s place in the world and learning to live fully in the face of adversity. What lessons can we take away from Maddie’s journey, and how can we apply these lessons to our own lives?
11. Throughout the novel, how does the meaning of the word “Maame” change, and in what ways does Maddie’s relationship to the term shift? Can you identify any key events or moments in the story that cause these changes?
12. How does Maddie’s role as a caretaker for her father impact the way she views herself in relation to other young people her age? Can you identify any specific instances in the novel where Maddie’s caregiving responsibilities have a significant impact on her life or relationships?
13. In what situations does Maddie turn to Google for answers, and why do you think she does so? How do these searches impact your understanding of Maddie’s character and her experiences? Can you identify any patterns or themes in the kinds of questions she searches for?
14. Maddie’s mother tells her to “keep family matters private.” How does this directive affect Maddie’s personal life and her ability to connect with others? In what ways does it impact her relationship with her mother, and how does her mother’s own adherence to this principle impact her life?
15. What role does religion and God play in the story, and how does this change over the course of the novel? Are there any moments where these two concepts are distinct from each other, or do they remain intertwined throughout the story? How does Maddie’s relationship to religion evolve after her father’s passing?
16. Maddie struggles with the conflict between her English environment and her Ghanaian culture. Have you or anyone you know experienced a similar conflict? Can you identify any specific moments in the novel where this conflict is particularly evident, and how does Maddie navigate these situations?
17. As the only Black person in the room at both of her jobs, Maddie is hyperaware of her race, gender, and culture. How do these factors impact her experiences in the workplace, and in what ways do they differ from her colleague Katherine’s experiences? Can you identify any moments in the story where Maddie’s identity intersects with other forms of discrimination or bias?
18. Shu tells Maddie that she needs a boyfriend who is actively anti-racist, not just one who is not racist. How does Maddie experience the lower layers of racism, such as microaggressions and unconscious bias, in her dating experiences and in the workplace? What steps do you take in your own life to be actively anti-racist, and why is this important?
19. Maddie notes that her company hired her during a time when they were focusing on “reflecting diversity,” but she later realizes that the only other Black people on staff are in serving positions. What are your thoughts on this observation, and how does it reflect the way companies treat diversity in the workplace? Can you identify any examples of performative diversity in the story or in your own life?
20. How does Maddie cope with the loss of her father, and how does her grieving process evolve over the course of the story? How does she deal with societal expectations of how she should grieve, and in what ways do her friends Nia and Shu help her through this difficult time?
21. Despite not speaking to each other much, Maddie and her father have a deep, genuine relationship. Why do you think they are so close, and what brings them together? Can you identify any moments in the story where their bond is particularly evident?
22. How does the author use religion and God to explore Maddie’s grief and healing process after her father’s death? How does Maddie’s relationship with God evolve over the course of the novel, and how does it affect her overall outlook on life? Do you think Maddie finds solace in religion, or is it more of a source of conflict for her?
23. How does Maddie’s intersectional identity as a Black woman impact her experiences in the workplace? In what ways do her race, gender, and cultural background influence the way she is perceived by others, including her colleagues and superiors? How do these experiences compare and contrast with those of Katherine, a white woman who works in the same office as Maddie?
24. When Maddie starts working for CGT, she is excited by the company’s focus on diversity. However, she soon realizes that the only other Black employees work in service roles. How does the author use Maddie’s experiences to comment on performative diversity in the workplace? Have you observed similar instances of performative diversity in your own workplace or community?
25. How did this book impact you, and what emotions did it leave you with?
Additional Recommendations
Hope you enjoyed book club questions for Maame! Here are some more book recommendations along with their synopses.
Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes
Who are you when you are forced to walk in someone else’s shoes?
Nisha Cantor lives the globetrotting life of the seriously wealthy, until her husband announces a divorce and cuts her off. Nisha is determined to hang onto her glamorous life. But in the meantime, she must scramble to cope–she doesn’t even have the shoes she was, until a moment ago, standing in.
That’s because Sam Kemp – in the bleakest point of her life – has accidentally taken Nisha’s gym bag. But Sam hardly has time to worry about a lost gym bag–she’s struggling to keep herself and her family afloat. When she tries on Nisha’s six-inch high Christian Louboutin red crocodile shoes, the resulting jolt of confidence that makes her realize something must change—and that thing is herself.
Full of Jojo Moyes’ signature humor, brilliant storytelling, and warmth, Someone Else’s Shoes is a story about how just one little thing can suddenly change everything.
River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer
Her search begins with an ending.…
The master of the Providence plantation in Barbados gathers his slaves and announces the king has decreed an end to slavery. As of the following day, the Emancipation Act of 1834 will come into effect. The cries of joy fall silent when he announces that they are no longer his slaves; they are now his apprentices. No one can leave. They must work for him for another six years. Freedom is just another name for the life they have always lived. So Rachel runs.
Away from Providence, she begins a desperate search to find her children—the five who survived birth and were sold. Are any of them still alive? Rachel has to know. The grueling, dangerous journey takes her from Barbados then, by river, deep into the forest of British Guiana and finally across the sea to Trinidad. She is driven on by the certainty that a mother cannot be truly free without knowing what has become of her children, even if the answer is more than she can bear. These are the stories of Mary Grace, Micah, Thomas Augustus, Cherry Jane and Mercy. But above all this is the story of Rachel and the extraordinary lengths to which a mother will go to find her children…and her freedom.
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson
1950s Philadelphia: fifteen-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college, in spite of having a mother more interested in keeping a man than raising a daughter. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation that has been passed on to her like a birthright.
Eleanor Quarles arrives in Washington, DC, with ambition and secrets. When she meets the handsome William Pride at Howard University, they fall madly in love. But William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his parents don’t let just anyone into their fold. Eleanor hopes that a baby will make her finally feel at home in William’s family and grant her the life she’s been searching for. But having a baby—and fitting in—is easier said than done.
With their stories colliding in the most unexpected of ways, Ruby and Eleanor will both make decisions that shape the trajectory of their lives.
Thank you for reading my book club discussion questions & happy reading! ❤️