Author Åkerström on Writing Black Women’s Stories
Award-winning author Fola Akinmade Åkerström has revealed that she writes about Black women and the Afro-diaspora experience to fill a significant gap in literature, especially in the Nordic region. Speaking at a book reading in Abuja for her latest novel, 'Bitter Honey,' the Nigerian-Swedish writer stated that there are very few stories highlighting these perspectives in Sweden and neighboring countries. "As a black woman, I felt that there isn’t a lot of literature that focuses on the Afro-diaspora in the Nordic area. That is why I write about it," Åkerström explained. She emphasized the importance of community for minorities abroad, describing it as a vital grounding force. Her novels often explore the consequences of isolation, such as depression and loneliness, which can occur when individuals lack a supportive community. To ensure cultural authenticity, Åkerström conducts thorough research. For 'Bitter Honey,' […]