34 pages • 1 hour read
Maud Martha
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Book Brief
180
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1940s-1950s
1953
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
Maud Martha by Gwendolyn Brooks is an experimental, non-linear narrative consisting of vignettes that depict the life of Maud Martha, a dark-skinned African American girl growing up in Chicago. The story explores her family dynamics, racial identity, romantic encounters, marriage to Paul Phillips, financial struggles, and personal growth, ultimately closing with Maud feeling hopeful about her future. The book addresses themes of racism and economic hardship.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
3,314 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Gwendolyn Brooks' Maud Martha receives acclaim for its poetic prose and deep exploration of an African American woman's inner life. Readers appreciate Brooks' nuanced character portrayal and social commentary. However, some find its episodic structure challenging. Overall, the novel is praised for its emotional depth and lyrical narrative, despite a few structural criticisms.
Who Should Read Maud Martha?
A reader who would enjoy Maud Martha by Gwendolyn Brooks is likely appreciative of poetic prose and introspective narratives. Fans of The Street by Ann Petry or The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison will find resonance in this novel's exploration of African American life, identity, and beauty through the lens of everyday experiences.
3,314 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Paul Phillips
Paul Phillips
Paul is Maud's husband, described as light-skinned and driven by aspirations to climb the social ladder, which often leads to hardships in their marriage.
Helen
Helen
Helen is Maud's lighter-skinned and graceful older sister, whose views and behavior frequently contrast with Maud, highlighting differences in their characters and family values.
180
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1940s-1950s
1953
Adult
14+ years
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