‘Mamele’ by Gemma Reeves: a story of love, sacrifice and belonging

Mamele by Gemma Reeves is a moving exploration of love, sacrifice, and the search for belonging.

The story dives deep into the complicated relationship between Edie and her mother, Zelda, as they struggle with their personal and cultural expectations. For me, the heart of the novel lies in how it portrays the tension and tenderness between mother and daughter - it is both relatable and heart-breaking.

At the start, I found myself feeling a lot of sympathy for Edie. Her sense of not fitting in hit close to home, and I think anyone who has ever felt like an outsider will feel that same pang. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Edie isn’t the only one shaped by her mother’s unpredictable and sometimes cruel temper.

Zelda is complicated - she is clearly carrying her own unresolved trauma, which spills over into selfishness and a deep-seated neglect of herself and those around her. It is a dynamic that is not uncommon, and I appreciated how the book captured those messy, generational patterns that shape us.

“Reeves’ prose is gentle and lyrical, which made even the tougher parts of the story feel strangely comforting”

Edie’s learned self-neglect follows her into adulthood. She lives with Joanna, who was part of a long-term polyamorous relationship with her and her late husband, Harry. Edie’s feelings for Joanna are so clear, but Reeves keeps us wondering whether the love is fully reciprocated or if Edie was just an add-on to Joanna and Harry’s marriage. Seeing Edie start to value herself more through her interactions with Joanna’s daughter and her half-sister throughout was one of the highlights of the novel.

Reeves’ prose is gentle and lyrical, which made even the tougher parts of the story feel strangely comforting. I felt transported between the tranquil Kent countryside and the vibrant energy of London in the 60s and 70s.

I didn’t grow up in a religious family, so I can only imagine how isolating it must be to come out as a young queer woman when your identity clashes with the values you’re surrounded by. Mamele opened my eyes to a depth of rejection and struggle that I hadn’t fully considered before, and it made Edie’s journey even more moving for me.

Overall, I found Mamele to be both a beautiful and insightful read. One of my favourite aspects was how it follows Edie’s life through the lens of different female relationships - each one adding layers to her story and showing the many ways women can shape and influence each other.

It is a novel that is as much about finding strength through connection as it is about navigating the scars of the past. If you’re looking for a story that is heartfelt, thought-provoking, and beautifully written, I’d definitely recommend giving Mamele a read.

This review was written by book club member, Ceire.

Ceire is originally from South Wales and now lives in West Norwood, London. She holds a PhD in chemical biology and works in policy and data analysis for a tech startup.

In her spare time you'll find her strolling around South London's parks with her dog and partner, or curled up with a good book.

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