Lola Akinmade Åkerström Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Lola Akinmade Åkerström is an award-winning and bestselling Nigerian-American author of In Every Mirror She’s Black series. She has lived on three continents: Europe, Africa, and North America. Lola is also a speaker and a photographer. Some of her work has been featured and appeared in BBC, National Geographic, CNN, Sunday Times Travel, The Guardian, Travel Leisure, and Travel Channel.

Lola A. Åkerström has firmly established herself as a prolific author and an influential figure in travel and culture, garnering widespread recognition and several prestigious awards. Among her notable publications, she has authored Due North, which received the 2018 Lowell Thomas Award for the best travel book, showcasing her ability to captivate and educate readers through her explorations. Her book Lagom: Swedish Secret of Living Well has achieved international bestseller status and translated into over 17 languages, reflecting its universal appeal and the global curiosity about the Swedish philosophy of balance and contentment.

Her contributions to photography and travel writing have not gone unnoticed. This is evidenced by her being named a 2022 Hasselblad Heroine, an accolade highlighting her exceptional photography talent. The 2018 Travel Photographer of the Year Bill Muster Award also underscores her skill in capturing compelling images that tell stories of places, cultures, and moments. Åkerström’s influence extends beyond her photography and writing, as evidenced by her receipt of the MIPAD 100 Award in 2018, recognizing her as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent in the media and culture category. Her work with National Geographic’s Image Collection further attests to her status as a respected contributor to the global narrative on travel and culture.

Lola A. Åkerström’s achievements and contributions make her a standout voice in her field, offering insights and perspectives that enrich the global conversation on travel, culture, and the art of living well. Her diverse body of work not only entertains and informs but also inspires readers and viewers to explore, appreciate, and find balance in their lives.

In Every Mirror She’s Black is an impactful debut novel by Lola Akinmade Åkerström that delves into the complex interplay of classism, racism, tokenism, and the dynamics of gender and racial discrimination in contemporary society. The story unfolds through the lives of three women—Kemi, Brittany Rae, and Muna. Each is connected to a powerful Swedish businessman in a nation where the African diaspora is markedly tiny compared to the vast Black population in the United States.

Her career ambitions propel Kemi’s journey to Sweden, Brittany Rae finds herself in Sweden due to marriage, and Muna seeks asylum, fleeing turmoil. Despite their paths crossing at the company where Kemi is employed, their interactions remain minimal. Each woman confronts the societal challenges Sweden presents, battling racism, classism, and a patriarchal structure that often seeks to undermine their existence and worth.

Kemi faces hypocrisy in the workplace, where her competence and skill are ostensibly valued for company diversity rather than genuine appreciation and respect for her abilities. When presented with a career opportunity by Jonny von Lundin to lead the company’s diversity efforts, she embraces it, hoping to advance her career and personal life, only to confront the harsh realities of tokenism.

Brittany Rae’s story takes a dramatic turn when her fairy-tale romance with Jonny reveals deeper, unsettling truths about their relationship, forcing her to confront her self-doubt and the authenticity of Jonny’s affections. This journey of self-discovery and the quest for genuine love highlight the intricacies of interpersonal relationships against societal expectations.

Muna’s narrative as a Somali refugee portrays resilience in the face of adversity as she navigates a new life in Sweden. Despite the slow start to her story, Muna’s optimism and determination shine through, painting a picture of hope and the relentless pursuit of a better future.

The novel expertly captures the women’s dissatisfaction with their current situations, driving them to explore new possibilities and redefine their lives on their terms. Kemi and Brittany seek fulfillment beyond societal roles prescribed to them, while Muna embodies the struggles of marginalized individuals striving for recognition and a place in society.
Lola Akinmade Åkerström skillfully intertwines these stories, using the characters as symbols of the broader issues of racial and gender discrimination within Swedish society. The narrative is enriched by the authentic voices of the women, inviting readers into their thoughts and emotions making the complex themes accessible through relatable and engaging dialogue.

Despite its strengths, the longing for a more conclusive ending suggests the depth of the reader’s engagement and investment in the characters’ journeys. In Every Mirror She’s Black stands as a testament to Åkerström’s ability to weave a compelling narrative that sheds light on significant societal issues, making it a thought-provoking read that resonates with the complexities of navigating identity, discrimination, and self-discovery in a world that often seeks to categorize and confine.

In the second novel in In Every Mirror She’s Black Series, we delve deeper into the intertwined lives of Brittney, Kemi, and Yasmiin, exploring Muna’s story through Yasmiin’s eyes. This journey not only focuses on their individual and collective struggles but also introduces us to other compelling characters, such as the formidable Amani, referred to as a tigress, and her sister Salima. These additional characters add layers to the story, illustrating the strength and resilience of women facing various challenges.

Brittney grapples with her identity and seeks to understand her complex relationship with her husband, Johnny, unveiling truths that shake the foundation of what she believed her life in Sweden to be. Kemi finds herself at a crossroads, pondering her professional achievements and personal relationships, questioning where her true future lies. Yasmiin, on the other hand, embarks on a path toward autonomy but is haunted by her past, struggling to reconcile her new-found independence with the shadows that linger.

The book traces their tumultuous journeys through significant personal crises, portraying their efforts to navigate and ultimately overcome these challenges. Through their stories, the narrative paints a vivid picture of courage, determination, and the quest for self-discovery among women who refuse to be defined by their circumstances.