Maame

by Elizabeth Allua Vaah

Maame is a collection of linked stories about women in a small community in Ghana. Life in the village is a constant rotation between the real and the supernatural. For girls there exists a short window between childhood and adulthood, in which they must learn to navigate a stringent code of conduct, if they are to succeed. But what is success? What makes a good mother? What happens when they have eventually had enough?

Ahu is a young woman married at fifteen and widowed with two children at eighteen. She overcomes all odds to set an example for future generations of girls, to enable them to reach out beyond the limits imposed upon them through tradition. Through her beautifully told, lyrical stories about three generations of women, in a style that reflects her subject and setting, Ahu introduces us to her community, the beliefs and customs that swallow many of her compatriots, and her own renaissance that starts in her a personal rebellion and revolution.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2020

About the author

Elizabeth Allua Vaah is a Ghanaian-Canadian author who writes poignant and intimate stories inspired by her childhood and growing up in a rural West-African village. She dynamically discusses womanhood and its intersections with culture and status.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Vaah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Granted. I am biased. I wrote it. Seriously though, I loved reading Maame. Very much recommended for anyone interested in reading about people from different cultures, countries, different settings. Heck! You may even learn an Nzema word or two. Maame's conversational, easy to read, lyrical tone is a fun way to learn about life in rural Ghana, especially among the Nzema (part of the broader Akan group). Hope you enjoy reading with me.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up from 2.5 rating. I loved the generational storytelling and the information and customs of Ghana (a country that means a lot to me), but I didn't find this well written at all. However, I am really excited to see more from this author in the future, especially with her focus on girls' education.

[Liana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Mawenzi House for providing me with a digital review copy!

Maame (Mother) is a collection stories that link women together in a small community in Ghana. Ahu is a young woman who is married at fifteen and widowed with two children by eighteen. Through stories about three generations of women, Ahu introduces readers to her community, the beliefs and customs of that community, and her personal rebellion.

I loved this book so much! I especially liked reading Ebela’s (Ahu’s friend) story and how her struggles were a marker for change in the opportunities for women in their community. I also liked the stories of Ahu’s daughter Bomo. With Ahu as well as the community’s assistance, Bomo is able to pursue an education and life with greater opportunities than her mother. Maame (Mother) is the a collection of stories that join women whether they are mothers, adoptive mother figures, aunts, sisters, daughters, and teachers. A truly important read!