Mama, I waited

by Hushed Devereaux

Mama, I Waited is a haunting story about a girl caught in the shadows of her mother’s mental illness.

Ziah spent her childhood waiting for love, for safety, for a mother who couldn’t give what she didn’t have. Raised in the chaos of depression, emotional abuse, and silence, she learned early that survival meant staying quiet. But when the only person who ever showed her real love her grandmother dies, Ziah is forced back into the arms of the woman who never chose her.This is a story about the ache of unmet love, the weight of loss, and the unspoken trauma of being a child in the care of someone who’s unraveling. It’s about what happens when you stop waiting… and start saving yourself.

83 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 6, 2025

Reviews

[Reading_Utopia! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mama, I Waited by Hushed Devereaux tells a chilling story of a girl grappling with the intense challenges of living with a mother who battles severe mental health issues. The emotional turmoil and complexities of their relationship create a haunting narrative that draws readers into her world and leaves them with a lasting emotional impact.

[kia j. · Rating 5 out of 5]

While scrolling on tik tok, I stumbled upon a woman advertising her book about dealing with a mother who struggled with mental health issues and decided to give it a read.

This book was incredibly difficult to read as it is a very sensitive topic for me. Through many tears, many moments where I had to put the book down, I powered through and finished the book. There is no happy ending here, but that usually is the case for real life stories that contain such heavy elements like this one. Her writing style perfectly encompasses the way a mind functions in traumatic situations where you become numb.

She is an amazing writer. Give it a read even if you can’t relate.

[Briitta (Momma_Shligga) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mama, I Waited is a touching and emotionally rich work that delves into themes of love, absence, and longing. With gentle, powerful language, it portrays the silent endurance of waiting and the unspoken connection between mother and child. It's a brief yet deeply affecting piece that lingers in the heart.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning, this book with have some triggers. this book caused some trauma within myself to come out. the only reason I have it four stars was because I want more. what happened to Malachi and Amira? I need to know!

[Maria Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will have you crying , and be a big eye opener