Maddie, a 25-year-old woman living in London, is the daughter of immigrants from Ghana. Maddie grew up in a two-culture atmosphere, with her mother emphasizing Ghanaian customs and her English acquaintances exhibiting western habits and behavior.
Since Maddie was very young, her mother has called her Maame, which means 'woman' in the Twi language. To go with the appellation, Maddie has had to shoulder adult responsibilities since she was a teenager.
Eight years ago, Maddie's mother inherited a hostel in Ghana, and she's been spending half her time there ever since.
At the same time, Maddie's father became ill with Parkinson's Disease, and Maddie - along with a part-time helper - takes care of her dad. Maddie prepares meals for her father, feeds him, talks to him, watches television with him, helps him get to bed, and so on.
Maddie's older brother James started couch-surfing at friends' houses many years ago, and rarely comes home. James often ignores Maddie's phone calls, doesn't help with their dad, and resents their mom for neglecting the family.
With her mother gone so much and James absenting himself, Maddie has to take care of the house and pay the bills, often with her own savings. To make things even harder, Maddie's mother frequently needs money, and calls Maddie to help her out.
Maddie studied English Literature in college, and works as a personal assistant for a theater manager in London. Maddie's boss is a difficult woman with emotional problems, and Maddie works hard managing her employer's calendar. Maddie is usually the only Black person in the room and is always on her guard against casual racial insensitivity.
Other than work, Maddie is usually home with her father. She has a couple of good friends, but rarely sees them; her wardrobe consists of a few conservative work outfits; she doesn't date; and she doesn't go fun places. In short, Maddie's life is very constrained. This is upsetting to Maddie's mother, who wants Maddie to loosen up, live life, and most of all FIND A HUSBAND. Mom seems to overlook the fact that her absence makes this almost impossible for Maddie.
Perhaps because her life is so narrow, Maddie's fount of knowledge is Google, which she consults about EVERYTHING. So Maddie asks Google about finding jobs; getting roommates; buying fashionable clothes; back pain; Parkinson's Disease; proper protocol for dating; bisexuality; and on and on.
Once Maddie is out of the house and living with two roommates, she embarks on a sort of bucket list of things to try, like buying a new wardrobe; partying; drinking; smoking; dating; going to a man's house for dinner; losing her virginity; and more.
In the meantime, Maddie's mom keeps pushing her to pray to God, find a good man, and get him to the altar.
All of this leads to some unfortunate situations, and when tragedy strikes, Maddie is devastated. Moreover, Maddie can't rely on her mother or brother for anything, because both of them are insensitive and selfish.
I liked seeing Maddie's personal growth as she learned to assert herself at home; at work; and in her social relationships. I also enjoyed the peeks into Ghanaian culture, which is frequently mentioned by Maddie's mother.
This is a good story about a woman finding herself.....and learning about human nature in the process.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Heather Agyepong, who does an excellent job. I felt she really made the characters come alive.
Rating: 3.5 stars
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