Maame: The Roundup

I had the pleasure of hosting Maame by Jessica George for the October/November round. I recommended it without reading it first. That's always a bit scary but I was pleasantly surprised. I was also a bit surprised when I realized that this was George’s first novel. George captures the voice of a twenty-something and all the heartache (and humor) that is involved with adulting and self-discovery. Some of our readers found that endearing; some found it annoying.

Let's see what everyone thought and how Maame inspired some food. This might be the most eclectic menu we've had in a while.

Wendy was first up with a beet smoothie. 

Wendy writes a great synopsis of the novel. (Check it out.) She enjoyed the book "with all of the teenage angst that was delayed until Maddie was in her twenties.  It was interesting to read about a person of color being raised in London while her parents clung to their Ghanaian culture." Her inspiration for the beetroot smoothie comes from a sad episode in the book (Maddie's father's death) and a good friend who invites her to lunch to check on her. 

Unbelievably, I was not the last one to post. (I am never the first.) I started the novel early and finished it in record time. Maame really took me back to being twenty-five, being clueless, and the anticipation that living life was just around the corner. I was so caught up with Maddie's story that I really didn't keep track of the food. Instead I focused on Ghanaian food. I found an interesting recipe for a salad with pork and beans. I couldn't resist making it.

That's my "Salad for Maame."

Amy was next up. She wasn't a fan. "It was a depressing read and the main character’s over-reliance on Googling everything was both bizarre and annoying." But, Amy did create a spectacular dessert: Bannoffee Sundaes. "When she is dating some rando at the beginning, he loves to cook for her.  One of the things he serves is a Banoffee Sundae."

Marg was next up and she did enjoy the book.

This is a book that tackles big topics. Whilst Maddie is British, her family expects her to still be Ghanaian so it is looking at the idea of identity. It also tackles race issues, grief, and almost is a coming of age novel, albeit with our main character being in her mid twenties. There are times when it is difficult to read but in the end it was ultimately hopeful, and I enjoyed it very much. I have added the author's next book to my list to read next year. It's out in February and is called Love by the Book.

 Marg was inspired to make Jollof Chicken and Rice.

Co-host Simona, describes the novel in this way:

As readers, we cheer Maddie on her journey to a more assertive and realized self. I found the beat-to-beat narrative a bit tiresome and the continuous asking Google life questions quickly lost freshness. I guess the slow pace is a metaphor for Maddie feeling stuck in a situation that leaves her unfulfilled.

Simona was inspired by the cultural foods in the book and looked to the culture of Native Americans and the tradition of "Three Sisters."  Her Beans, Corn and Winter Squash "is a great combination of flavors and textures."

Claudia, another co-host for CTB, made me laugh with the title of her post. She was not a fan but I liked how she put it in perspective:

Truthfully, I was getting so depressed by and outraged at the central character, Maddie, for her attitude of victimization and not standing up for herself, that I just put the book aside and went on to life and other reads.  Then, when time was growing short for some sort of review, decided to do one of those sneak peeks to the ending.  Okay, looking much better, and worked my way backwards.  Things do improve, in life and sometimes even in books.  She does eventually take control of herself and her life, basically after her dad dies and frees her up in a sense to move on; after being his care giver, and mainstay of the whole family for so many years.  I won't give the ending totally away for those who haven't yet read the book, but if you can press on, it's a good lesson in giving people a chance and understanding what may have caused their dysfunctions.

Claudia did a riff on a Marcus Samuelsson recipe, subbing in ahi tuna for snapper. She parceled them up in banana leavers, a West African tradition.

Just to revisit our menu, we have a weird salad, traditional Ghana recipes, some riffs on other West African traditions, a Native American inspired recipe, a smoothie, and a dessert. Like I said eclectic.

Thanks to all that participated, those that enjoyed the novel and those who persevered. :)

Simona is hosting the next round for December/January with Bite by Bite by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. Look for an announcement post soon.