Lolá Ákínmádé Åkerström has covered some ground. The award-winning travel photographer, bestselling author and visual storyteller has reported from more than 80 countries, with her work appearing in National Geographic, The New York Times, The Guardian and beyond. Now based in Stockholm, she is also the founder of creative storytelling agency Geotraveler Media. Her latest novel, Bitter Honey, spans four decades and three continents and follows a mother and daughter navigating identity, belonging and long-held secrets. She takes on our Eight Questions, and her answers include a confession she’s apparently never made in public before.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year, and why?
For the important gap it fills in our history, I recommend When We Ruled: The Rise and Fall of Twelve African Queens and Warriors by Paula Akpan.
How do you keep fit?
I love weight training, though I’m in a lazy phase at the moment. I need to get back on it, so thanks for the reminder.
Weeknight low-key restaurant go-to?
I love seafood in all its forms, so you’ll either find me at a seafood or sushi restaurant or cooking it at home.
What is the one artwork you’ll always love, and why?
I own several framed prints by South African artist Andile. I absolutely love her work and the way she visualises Black women, Black joy and Black love.
Do you have a hobby? What is it?
I used to be an avid oil painter and even sold and exhibited several works. I’m slowly getting back into it. I’m also a perpetual guitar student.
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
Notebooks aren’t unusual, but in my case, it’s the quantity I carry at any given time. I usually have three or four of varying sizes in my bag, including a thick A4 one. I write stories when ideas flow and keep smaller, separate notebooks for to-do lists, brainstorming and everything else.
Who was your high school celeb crush?
Dolph Lundgren. This is the first time I’ve ever admitted this publicly. I had no idea he was Swedish until decades later when, ironically, I ended up living in Sweden.
Three songs you’d take to a desert island?
Mysterious Ways, Magnificent and Electrical Storm. All by U2.
Bitter Honey by Lolá Ákínmádé Åkerström is available through Jonathan Ball Publishers and at major booksellers.
