The story draws heavily from her role as a primary caregiver for her father, who suffered from Parkinson’s disease and passed away in 2020. Writing began as a series of diary entries to process her overwhelming grief, which she later fictionalized into the novel. George has said that the emotional bond between Maddie, the protagonist, and her father mirrors her own relationship with her dad, making these parts of the story especially authentic.

Additionally, George’s identity as a British-Ghanaian woman led to many aspects of Maame. The cultural dynamics and familial expectations faced by Maddie reflect George’s own experiences growing up in an immigrant family.

George has noted that Maddie’s journey to self-discovery parallels her own path of learning to embrace her voice and individuality.

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Maddie Wright - Maddie, often referred to as Maame (a term of endearment and respect in her Ghanaian culture), is the protagonist of the story. She is a young British-Ghanaian woman in her mid-twenties who navigates the challenges of balancing her traditional Ghanaian upbringing with her contemporary British lifestyle. Maddie is the primary caregiver for her father, who has Parkinson’s disease, and she struggles with the responsibility and her own aspirations.

Ben - Ben is Maddie's love interest. He is supportive and helps Maddie as she navigates her personal and professional challenges. His relationship with Maddie highlights the theme of love and support in the midst of personal struggles.

Maddie's Mother - Maddie’s mother lives in Ghana and has a complex relationship with Maddie. Her absence and the emotional distance between them contribute to Maddie’s sense of responsibility and pressure. The dynamics between Maddie and her mother explore themes of familial duty and cultural expectations.

Maddie's Father - Maddie’s father suffers from Parkinson’s disease, and Maddie is his primary caregiver. His illness and Maddie’s role in his care are central to the story, highlighting themes of sacrifice, duty, and the impact of illness on family life.

Nia - Nia is Maddie's best friend and confidante. She provides a contrasting perspective on life and supports Maddie through her journey. Nia’s character adds depth to the exploration of friendship and personal growth.

Stephanie - Stephanie is Maddie’s colleague who becomes an important part of her life. Through her interactions with Stephanie, Maddie learns to assert herself and navigate her professional environment more confidently.

Kwesi - Kwesi is Maddie’s brother, who lives separately and is less involved in the daily caregiving of their father. His character serves as a foil to Maddie, highlighting the different ways siblings respond to family responsibilities.

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Familial Duty and Caregiving
Maddie is the primary caretaker for her father, who suffers from advanced Parkinson's disease. This role places a significant emotional and practical burden on her, highlighting the challenges faced by caregivers​.

Cultural Identity and Belonging
Maddie's experiences reflect the complexities of navigating between two cultures. With a Ghanaian mother who is often absent yet controlling, Maddie feels torn between her Ghanaian heritage and her life in London, exploring the feelings of being caught between two homes and cultures​​.

Racism and Workplace Dynamics
The novel addresses issues of racism, particularly in the workplace, where Maddie often finds herself as the only Black person in meetings. It explores the subtle and overt challenges she faces in her professional environment​​.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
As a late bloomer, Maddie embarks on a journey of personal growth. Moving out of her family home for the first time, she navigates new experiences like flat-sharing, dating, and asserting herself at work, all contributing to her self-discovery​​.

Female Pleasure and Romantic Relationships
The narrative touches on themes of female pleasure and the complexity of romantic relationships. Maddie's interactions and relationships provide insight into her understanding of love and intimacy​​.

Friendship and Support Systems
The importance of friendship and having a support system is a recurring theme. The novel underscores how friendships can provide emotional sustenance and a sense of belonging​​.

"Maame" blends humor and poignancy to address these topics, offering a nuanced exploration of contemporary issues through Maddie's story.

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"Maame" has been generally well-received by critics and readers alike.

Critics have praised the book for its emotional depth and humor. Publishers Weekly described it as a "pitch-perfect debut" with a compelling portrayal of Maddie's journey toward self-discovery. Kirkus Reviews highlighted the novel's fresh and poignant take on the coming-of-age genre, commending George for creating an appealing and relatable protagonist.

Readers have also appreciated the book's exploration of cultural identity, particularly the challenges of navigating life between two cultures, as Maddie deals with the expectations from her Ghanaian family while trying to establish her own path in London.

Overall, "Maame" has been celebrated for its warmth, wit, and insightful look into the struggles and triumphs of a young woman coming into her own. It's a standout debut that has left a strong impression on both critics and readers, making Jessica George a notable new voice in contemporary fiction.

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