Mathey Girls: A Novel

by Melody Chu

A heartfelt, moving novel about a Chinese American woman coming to terms with the evolving nature of family, friendship, and grief after the death of her best friend.

On the outside, Esther Hsu looks like the proverbial second-generation immigrant success story, an Ivy League grad taking a well-earned break from her lucrative consulting career. However, she sees herself almost forty, jobless, aimless, alone. She's an imposter hiding her failure from everyone, including her oldest group of friends—the Mathey Girls, named after their old Princeton dorm.

When fellow Mathey Girl Claire dies in childbirth, Esther steps in to support Claire's grief-stricken husband by caring for his nine-year-old daughter Hannah for the summer. While this responsibility gives Esther a renewed sense of purpose, it also brings up a loss from her childhood that she never truly got over. In a summer of second chances, including a new job opportunity and a new romance, Esther must rise above the past and her self-doubt to forge a path forward for both herself and Hannah.

290 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2025

Reviews

[Jocelyn Chin · Rating 4 out of 5]

a realistic & heartfelt novel about adult female friendships, chinese-taiwanese-immigrant families, grief, and healing -- with a slightly dysfunctional protagonist in her 40s trying to figure love out in philly -- written by my friends' aunt! feeling lucky to have my own real-life mathey girls

[Kate B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Written, Fantastic Character Development

Wonderful character-driven and well-paced read. I loved Esther, all the Mathey girls, Hannah, Tony, and all the supporting characters so much.

[Hannah Xu · Rating 5 out of 5]

a page turning novel that drew me in with its plot and driven characters! i felt attached to the protagonist’s journey and loved the plot points. definitely a heart-felt and warming read

[Benjamin Liu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thoughtful, Warm Novel About Identity, Ambition, and the Lives We Build

I don’t have much chance to read fiction these days, so this book was a genuine pleasure. Once I started it, I found myself moving through it quickly, drawn in by its voice, emotional honesty, and richly observed details.

The novel shines in how it captures the experience of growing up in a first-generation Chinese-Taiwanese American family, blending cultural specificity with themes that feel widely relatable. The descriptions of food, family rituals, and intergenerational expectations add texture and authenticity without ever feeling heavy-handed. These moments ground the story and make the characters feel real.

The Princeton theme and references are especially well done. Mentions of campus life, traditions, and reunions evoke a strong sense of nostalgia while also highlighting the unique pressures of being connected to a high-achieving peer group. The book thoughtfully explores the quiet, often unspoken comparisons that can linger long after college — the sense of “keeping up” that can persist into midlife.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its emotional interiority. Esther’s inner monologue is honest, vulnerable, and deeply human. In a culture where people tend to present polished versions of themselves, it was refreshing to read a character whose insecurities, doubts, and overthinking are acknowledged rather than hidden. These moments make the story especially resonant for readers balancing careers, family, and personal expectations.

The ending felt satisfying and true to the character — offering resolution without sacrificing realism. It honors Esther’s thoughtful, introspective nature and reinforces the book’s broader message about finding connection on one’s own terms.

This is a reflective, engaging novel that will resonate with readers interested in identity, family, ambition, and the quieter emotional currents of adult life. Highly recommended.

[Jennifer N · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since a book has pulled me in and taken hold of me the way Mathey Girls did. For some time, I’ve turned to books to escape; to dive into stories that take me away from my reality.

So I was surprised by how immediately I was drawn into a book where everything felt so deeply familiar. Despite dramatically different backgrounds from my own, the Mathey girls’ experiences as women coming into their own—and occasionally losing themselves—after college, in relationships, and in professional environments, resonated deeply.

This is in large part due to Melody Chu’s gorgeous and compelling writing. But it’s also the incredible time, attention, and thought she gave a character development (even the women who could so easily have become nothing but comic relief). There are no stereotypes or two-dimensional characters here. I was drawn to each of the women, and even the central man. Recognizing, finding, and maintaining your own identity— while exploring love, maintaining friendships, raising children, and engaging in meaningful work— is a challenge so many women hold, but rarely examine.

I took the book on a short work trip intending to read just a bit each night. But on the first night, I found it was 1AM and I had read a third of the book. Over the next couple of days I found myself laughing out loud, tearing up, and holding my breath (generally in public places because I found it impossible to put the book down) as I worked my way to the final chapter.

This is a book to be treasured and savored. I won’t get into the plot because it deserves to be discovered on its own. I’ve already purchased a couple of copies to share with women I love and trust they will find their own reasons to love the book. I just hope it’s not too long before Chu gives us another story.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mathey Girls is an excellent book with a lot of complex themes woven throughout. As a Princeton alumna, I also loved the Princeton references! Of course, friendship and grief play a major role in the book and Chu illustrates how grief impacts so many aspects of life, sometimes in unexpected ways. By taking care of Hannah, Esther honored and helped her best friend and her family, but also re-analyzed her own relationships and her previous loss. Through caring for Hannah selflessly, Esther was also able to help herself. The strength of the Mathey Girls' friendship, even though they had not been in touch as much lately, enabled them to support each other, especially in the wake of a tragedy. I also loved how Chu writes about Esther's manifestation of imposter syndrome. I think this issue is something that plagues women more than men, especially women that have attended elite schools but think they aren't living up to expectations or shouldn't have been admitted in the first place. Multiple of my female friends have said they wouldn't have been accepted to Princeton (or other top tier university) today (I attended many years ago), but I can't recall a male saying something similar. I also enjoyed how Esther's relationships with family evolved in the story, showing how even long-set feelings and patterns can be changed. Sometimes opening up and being vulnerable can allow people to rise to the occasion and be there to support you when you let them. I felt that Esther's life had perhaps too many major positive events happening at the end of the book, but it is nice to finish with a lot of hope that things can change. Of course, her best friend has still recently died and she had been dealing with many difficult things, so she deserved it!

[Sarah Goehrke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is utterly stunning.

I knew the general plot but wasn't prepared, going in, for probably the best, most honest, most heartbreakingly authentic representation of grief I've ever read in fiction. We experience this journey with and through Esther but see so many of the various ways grief presents through the others, and all of it strikes true. I was ready to be moved, but I hasn't expected to weep. This book got me in the heart.

I couldn't put it down, either; cover to cover in under 24 hours. The plot is compelling and propulsive, and I was rooting for and empathizing with Esther every step.

Mathey Girls has just shot to the top of my list of books I will be almost obnoxiously recommending nonstop to everyone I know.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mathey Girls is a good reminder that we don't know what others people carry and don't share with others, so reach out to those you love and connect about the things that are really important, that you're carrying in silence.
I was reminded of the Okinawan concepts of ikigai and moai reading about Esther's journey. How do we live lives with purpose and meaningful lifelong relationships? We often cover the parts that hurt of we are uncertain about, but sharing them with others results in better outcomes and a better journey. One meaningful relationship can change your trajectory.

[Kate Kaput · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, thoughtfully paced novel about friendship, family, fears and forward motion, told through the lens of a Taiwanese American woman whose best friends from college — the Mathey Girls, a tribute to their Princeton dorm — remain the most important and supportive people in her life. The group is devastated, and their dynamics are rocked, when one of them dies in childbirth.

A powerful debut novel from Melody Chu. Looking forward to reading more from her.

[Jamie Szucs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend for female book clubs, anyone interested in modern day content (especially following covid!).

Touches on family life and dynamics
Experiences of minority origins in US
Post grad life, internal challenges of the individual

Worth a read!

I generally prefer nonfiction and was pleasantly surprised by the relatable realness in the story line. Felt like a good blend of both!

[Loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the easy to read tale of intensely attached college friends who support one another for years after Princeton graduation. The protagonist struggles with self-discovery and authentic relationships. Her journey of self-actualization IS the story. The 9year old foil is very well drawn enjoyed the book.

[Andrew Clem. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent storytelling! The struggles of Esther the protagonist were engaging and creatively woven of many threads. The background societal, economic, gender, and racial dynamics were present and incorporated as necessary background in a subtle non-polemical way. As a Clevelander who went to school in the East, I appreciate the understanding of that geography.

[Scott Reisfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing of this wonderful novel just flows. We are introduced into the life and friendships of Esther and her friends, who are rocked by the death of one of their circle. How Esther handle the situation, and grows personally, is the story that is told. Well told.

[Melissa Lipnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it! Melody Chu’s debut novel is well developed, compelling, and leaves me wanting more… please write a follow up novel about the Mathey girls. I really enjoyed reading about a woman nearing 40… the characters were relatable and I was very invested.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of friendship, redemption, & love. I’ve been seeing themes of trauma and loss (hopefully not just me 😅) a lot after COVID. The characters, especially Esther, are imperfectly human. Story is a good reminder of the importance of friendship/love and progress.

[Wendy Hu-Au · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this novel in a day and a half. It was refreshing to meet the Mathey Girls and find them so relatable as they navigate their careers, relationships, intergenerational connections, loss, covid, and the nuanced dynamics of race and ethnicity.

Such a satisfying and worthwhile read.

[CWP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mathey Girls is a beautiful story that weaves across themes of friendship, loss, memory, and hope. If you have had life long friends, the stories and emotions will resonate. Highly recommend it.

[Naomie Barnabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tender, insightful, and deeply human, this novel beautifully explores identity, loss, and the unexpected ways we rediscover purpose and connection.

[Jenny Chin]

Who’s the target audience ?
Vocabulary was showing the sophistication and education of the author
But the main character was weak
Couldn’t get past tge lst 100 pages

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read. It really took me back to my college friends and how close we’ve stayed through the years. I loved the arc of the main character!

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

So beautiful, there were passages where it felt like Melody was describing moments or feelings or experiences in my life that I didn’t even know how to voice.

[Ellen Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read ... took me back to my college days and how close we've stayed through the years

[Cat Shoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of Princeton nostalgia but I didn’t love the story or the protagonist.

[Beth Godshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, relatable novel.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful first novel by author Melody Chu. I didn’t want to stop reading once I started. I was invested and interested in the characters and story and what would happen next.

[Jane Hartsock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adulthood does not reach us in a single moment; we move into it in fits and starts, through moments of incredibly joy and unimaginable loss. At a time when the commercial publishing industry is myopically focused on those early moments, the “new adult,” the young love, Mathey Girls reminds us that much is in store in the decades after we cross the stage, after we pass through the gate.

At over 40 years old, Esther is stuck. Or she thinks she is. But it is this fact that allows her to step in when her best friend from college, Claire, dies (this is not a spoiler, the whole book flows from this one tragedy). What emerges in the aftermath of this is a story of one woman’s stumbling into middle age, claiming her worth, claiming love, claiming community and culture and identity. But it’s also the universal story of how groups of women hold each other through these transitions. These groups can form in college (as they do in Mathey Girls) or on sports teams or social clubs or simple by happenstance and circumstance, but once formed the bond coalesces through the years through a common history, a common language, the “group chat” (titled of course), the inside jokes, the shared stories, and the commitment to each other that is as fierce as it is tender.

Mathey Girls reminds us of the immeasurable worth of these friendships, of the sacred place women hold in each other’s lives, of the way each of us is a container for both the sorrow and celebration of best friends.

Mathey Girls is not merely a good story (though certainly it is that), it is a statement that these relationships matter and they matter deeply. Their strength extends beyond the small group of people in the “group chat” to children and spouses and siblings and parents. I want to pause on that extension—a phenomenon that often does not develop until these groups have scattered from their point of origin, moving into and through the world. Until middle age.

At a time when so many books are centering young people, it’s critically important to remember that women do important work, that we grow and change and help those around us grow and change long after graduation day. Mathey Girls tells THAT story, and it does it convincingly. A truly wonderful book.

[Joshua Schwab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging read. Chu's choice to focus on one character while building a world around her allowed the book to develop in an engaging manner. A real page-turner that makes you laugh and cry at various points. Highly recommend.

[Joanna Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I hadn’t read the description so I didn’t expect the major twist in the plot early on which was jarring. But I got into the story and found the different plot lines very realistic. Glad I read it and sad it’s over!

[Mara Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! A beautiful story of adult friendship, finding yourself and adapting after a tragedy. Even though the premise is sad, the book is funny and uplifting. There are even a few mini mysteries. I don’t love really sad books, just not my thing, and I’m so glad I read this - it’s truly a “you laugh, you cry” read. When I finished, I wanted more! Beautifully written.

[Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book and so unexpected in its story arc and character development. It’s a tremendous first novel and I highly recommend it.