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.

[Nelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩷🩷🩷


Wheeww, the feelings I had here… So I’m on my quest to immerse myself more fully in the world of indie authors. There is just something so special about a work made because it’s deeply meaningful to its creator rather than because someone was trying to make a thing to make money for their job. I’m not saying this level of authorial sincerity doesn’t exist with traditional commercial works, but there is a level of vulnerability I’m finding in self published fiction that resonates so deeply with me.

This author describes this as a book club fiction, and I would wholeheartedly agree. One interesting thing about this book is that it isn’t about just one thing. Reading this was like witnessing a real period in someone’s life. Almost a coming of age, if we just realize that growth isn’t a one-time process, that self discovery can happen throughout our lives. Esther is a thoughtful, self-questioning, observant, relatable protagonist in whom I think many of us can recognize ourselves. The book is about the sisterhood of women, about grief, about culture, about society, about so many things we as women go through as we spend our lives trying to become the people we hope to be. I found everything about Esther so fully fleshed out, so deeply human. Her insecurity, her guilt, her reluctance to expose her most vulnerable parts are perfectly balanced with her willingness to notice, her good-faith trust, her bravery despite life’s challenges, and the gifts she gives to people without realizing their value because she’s just that kind of person.

While I could go on about Esther for pages, I want to take the time to recognize the robust and diverse universe this author spent time and intention carefully building. Her effort shows. Her characters are meaningful and wholly individual. Homage is paid to many cultures, to many types of people, highlighting each one effortlessly while recognizing the beauty of each individual, like flowers in a garden. The world the author made for us feels real. It feels like the world we live in. It’s treated with respect.

As a reader, I felt so lovingly held by this novel. I felt moved through the scenes, through the discovery, in a way that felt warm and organic. The best novels leave you feeling a sense of loss for the universe you’re leaving behind in its pages, and I feel that way here. I hope this author writes more. It is a gift to allow readers to be part of something so thoughtful and personal.

[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

[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.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Mathey Girls
Author: Melody Chu

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5

Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
Female, 41
Esther is one of those characters who feels like someone you might actually know, and I found myself rooting for her from the very first chapter.
The friendships, the grief, the family dynamics, and the quiet hope running through the novel all came together beautifully. It's one of those books that stays with you long after you've finished.

Male, 55
This is a wonderfully thoughtful novel about friendship, loss, and finding your way again. Melody Chu writes with such warmth and honesty that even the smallest moments carry real emotional weight.
I especially appreciated how the relationships developed naturally rather than feeling forced. By the end, I genuinely felt like I'd spent time with real people. A thoroughly satisfying read.

Female, 36
What I loved most was how real everything felt. Nobody was perfect, everyone was carrying something, and that made the story incredibly relatable.
The friendship between the Mathey Girls is beautifully written, and Esther's journey back to believing in herself had me smiling through tears. I couldn't put it down.

Male, 48
This is the kind of novel that quietly sneaks up on you. It isn't full of dramatic twists for the sake of it; instead, it builds its emotional power through believable characters and beautifully observed moments.
Esther's struggles with self-doubt really resonated with me, and watching her slowly rediscover purpose through caring for Hannah was genuinely uplifting. Melody Chu has a gift for making everyday conversations feel meaningful and heartfelt.
I also enjoyed how the novel explored friendship over decades. The Mathey Girls aren't idealised—they're flawed, busy, complicated adults—but their bond remains something special. By the final chapter I felt as though I was saying goodbye to old friends.

Female, 63
I've read many novels about grief, but few have balanced sadness and hope as gracefully as this one. Mathey Girls is tender without becoming sentimental, and every character feels fully realised.
The writing is elegant and easy to sink into, with lovely details that bring each relationship to life. I particularly admired the way Melody Chu explores family expectations, identity, and friendship with such compassion. Esther's personal growth felt completely earned, and Hannah was an absolute delight to read about.
This is ultimately a story about healing, second chances, and discovering that life can still surprise you even when you think you've lost your direction. It's a book I'll happily recommend to anyone who enjoys character-driven fiction.

Female, 29
A beautiful, heartfelt novel that made me laugh, cry, and appreciate my closest friends even more. Esther's journey is unforgettable, and I finished the book wishing I could spend just a little more time with the Mathey Girls.

To Sum It Up:
“A heartfelt and beautifully observed novel, Mathey Girls is an uplifting celebration of friendship, family, resilience, and the healing power of second chances. A BRONZE MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended!” Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[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.

[Mila Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a particular kind of person who holds everything together by pretending there's nothing wrong. Esther is that person. Competent, cheerful, always the first to show up for everyone else—and quietly unravelling in private. "Mathey Girls" knows this type with uncommon precision, and the author has the patience and the craft to let Esther's layers come off slowly, the way they would in real life rather than in fiction.

The novel is built around loss—a friend dies early (not a spoiler), leaving a husband adrift and a nine-year-old daughter doing what grieving children do when they love their parents too much to burden them: hiding it. Esther recognizes that child immediately and viscerally, because she has been that child. The parallel between them is the novel's emotional core, and it's handled with real delicacy. This isn't a story about grief being resolved so much as grief being acknowledged, carried differently, and eventually made room for. The Mathey girls—Esther's university friends, now in their forties and still showing up for each other—are refreshingly human: capable of being wrong, annoying, and occasionally unhelpful, which makes their solidarity feel earned rather than convenient.

What lingers is Esther herself. Quiet, resilient, and deeply relatable—a woman who has spent so long being fine for everyone else that she's forgotten how to be fine herself. The happy ending, when it comes, feels neither miraculous nor inevitable but simply possible, which is exactly right. Mathey Girls is the kind of novel that doesn't announce its emotional punches. It just lands them, softly, one after another, until you realize somewhere in the middle that you've been holding your breath. A commendable debut that gets under your skin quietly, the way the best books do—without you noticing until it's too late.

[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!

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of meeting the author a few weeks ago and wanted to read her book before we met up. I was blown away. We talked a lot about indie vs. traditional publishing (I am an indie author as well). There is a lot of bad stuff out there. Melody's book is hands down one of the best indie books I have ever read. This book is why libraries, bookstores, and readers should not discount indie authors.

The novel follows Esther and her friends, the Mathey Girls, a tight-knit group who lived together at Princeton years ago. When one of them, Claire, dies in childbirth, they're overcome with grief. Esther isn't doing much, having lost her job during COVID, and she offers to help Claire's widower with their young daughter. Esther bonds with nine-year-old Hannah while navigating new revelations from her own past as well as secrets she hadn't quite confronted. With its many Chinese American and Taiwanese American characters, the novel also explores their lived experiences and how it feels to be Asian when the default is white. This is relationship fiction at its finest--beautifully written and heartfelt without being too sweet or saccharine. I also loved how Melody filters in the details of secrets that initially seem insignificant but turn out to be emotionally impactful.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. It's about a group of women that all attended college together and have stayed tight decades later with regular reunions and heavy use of group texts. We should all be so fortunate to have such a support group in our lives. When tragedy strikes the group, they respond in different ways with one of the group stepping up to help another's family that's in need. Some things I love about this novel:
-the feel of the friend group in person and in the group text; my equivalent (a fraternity brother group) has experienced similar loss in the last few years and this book felt *right* in how it was all depicted.
-the inclusion/acknowledgement of the covid pandemic and how that impacted the lives of the characters.
-the depiction of Chinese-American family dynamics; though I've read a fair amount of Asian-American authors, I felt like this book was a real eye-opener and the family dynamics were fascinating to read about.
-the post-college life experiences of the characters felt familiar in many ways; I recognized myself or friends in the characters in the book.

This was a great first novel and I look forward to reading more from the author!

[Lorie Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ticks so many boxes: a great book club choice, excellent women's fiction, superb debut fiction, an AAPI title worth reading. A group of college friends have planned a surprise baby shower for their friend Claire's second pregnancy, and we meet them moments before the shower begins. Women will relate to the characters' self-doubt prior to their meetup, particularly Esther's. She's recently lost a job and freelancing has been less than successful for her. Claire's pregnancy at 40 isn't exactly how she pictured herself at this age... and the group lightheartedly engages in playful self-deprecation.
Let me just leave this here: Claire's delivery ends in the worst possible way, and the remainder of the novel involves the characters dealing with that outcome from near and far away. Run, don't walk, to get this book from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your local library. Block of the time to read Mathey Girls. You won't want to stop until you've finished.

[Mully · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, heartfelt novel

This book offered a genuine, realistic look into how to navigate life after loss. Please check your triggers before reading this book as it does deal with loss of life from a pregnancy. I found the characters to be very realistic and empathized with their struggles. Even though this book started off with Esther going through challenging times, she had depth and emotion and drive that made you keep rooting for her. Esther gave a glimpse into how hard it is to ask for help for yourself when you feel like you have to support those around you. Watching Esther grow with her friend’s daughter Hannah opened up a touching relationship that squirmed its way into my heart. The author also did a great job of weaving in mentions of the challenges that Chinese Americans are faced with due to stereotypes and misconceptions that aren’t talked about enough.

[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.

[Fizzah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rivalry between Tingting and Esther was so funny to me. Tackled topics from grief to faith to the pandemic. So many characters and usually I can’t keep them straight but this time I did and I’m impressed by how fleshed out they all were. I wasn’t a fan of the prose but maybe a book can still be great! I think Chu’s ability to write scenes, juggle the thought processes of so many characters, and weave subplots together is amazing.

Returning to Mathey courtyard healed something in me.

[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.

[Lynn Yule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for this lovely novel, which explores relationships and personal growth amid the social and cultural influences that often hold us back. The perfect light summer read. I can't wait for your next story.

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is 3.5 probably for me - easy read and loved the Princeton nostalgia as well as found a lot of the dynamics within friend groups extremely relatable, but didn't love Esther's character development/arc or the ending

[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