donnicakelsey's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I usually open my reviews with a few bullet points summarizing the genre and tropes. For “Everything Is Not Enough” I want to share the dedication:
for the strong looking for safe spaces to be weak
Lọlá Ákínmádé Åkerström crafted a stunning sequel to “In Every Mirror She’s Black”. In the novel, we immediately jump back to where the first book left us -- reeling and needing to know how our characters will navigate the racism and misogyny surrounding them in Sweden.
Let’s pause here: Do you remember the song and video “Girl” by Destiny’s Child?
Take a minute girl, come sit down and tell us what's been happening
In your face I can see the pain, don't you try to convince us that you're happy
I wanted to ambush Brittany-Rae, Kemi, and Yasmiin as they did Kelly Rowland in the video. Yes, I know they are fictional characters, but the way that all of the women in this book needed more community and sisterhood!! So many times I found myself yelling at them, trying to talk them toward healthier decision-making, or wanting to throw my Kindle in frustration.
Let’s start with Kemi. At the end of the previous book, Kemi asked her boyfriend Tobias to give up his life in Sweden and move to the US. Kemi is running from a life being a “diversity hire”, frequently being disrespected and ignored at her job. The issue is Kemi is also fighting to remain faithful to Tobias. As a black woman in predominately white corporate spaces, I identified greatly with Kemi’s career troubles. It’s her relationship mess that left me wanting to talk some sense into her over a boozy brunch.
Next up, Brittany-Rae. Brittany-Rae von Lundin, the model-turned-flight attendant-turned-trophy wife, basically turns into a detective, in this novel - needing to uncover the mystery of her husband’s dead ex that (figuratively) haunts their relationship. The journey Lọlá takes us on with Brittany-Rae was so unexpected and the reveal at the end: 10/10 no notes!!
And finally, Yasmiin (and Muna) - Muna’s story in the first book was captivating and heartbreaking, highlighting the experience of a refugee in Stockholm. I wondered if I would miss her voice in this book, but the answer is no. Lọlá gives Yasmiin such a beautiful arc using her background to share how strong of a person she is and showcases the power of sisterhood.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel - the mess, the overdue hair appointments (bless Yasmiin), and ultimately the growth and personal discovery, captured me from dedication to the final line. I can’t wait to read what Lọlá Ákínmádé Åkerström writes next.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the eARC! "Everything Is Not Enough" will be released on Oct 24, 2023, and is available for pre-order.
for the strong looking for safe spaces to be weak
Lọlá Ákínmádé Åkerström crafted a stunning sequel to “In Every Mirror She’s Black”. In the novel, we immediately jump back to where the first book left us -- reeling and needing to know how our characters will navigate the racism and misogyny surrounding them in Sweden.
Let’s pause here: Do you remember the song and video “Girl” by Destiny’s Child?
Take a minute girl, come sit down and tell us what's been happening
In your face I can see the pain, don't you try to convince us that you're happy
I wanted to ambush Brittany-Rae, Kemi, and Yasmiin as they did Kelly Rowland in the video. Yes, I know they are fictional characters, but the way that all of the women in this book needed more community and sisterhood!! So many times I found myself yelling at them, trying to talk them toward healthier decision-making, or wanting to throw my Kindle in frustration.
Let’s start with Kemi. At the end of the previous book, Kemi asked her boyfriend Tobias to give up his life in Sweden and move to the US. Kemi is running from a life being a “diversity hire”, frequently being disrespected and ignored at her job. The issue is Kemi is also fighting to remain faithful to Tobias. As a black woman in predominately white corporate spaces, I identified greatly with Kemi’s career troubles. It’s her relationship mess that left me wanting to talk some sense into her over a boozy brunch.
Next up, Brittany-Rae. Brittany-Rae von Lundin, the model-turned-flight attendant-turned-trophy wife, basically turns into a detective, in this novel - needing to uncover the mystery of her husband’s dead ex that (figuratively) haunts their relationship. The journey Lọlá takes us on with Brittany-Rae was so unexpected and the reveal at the end: 10/10 no notes!!
And finally, Yasmiin (and Muna) - Muna’s story in the first book was captivating and heartbreaking, highlighting the experience of a refugee in Stockholm. I wondered if I would miss her voice in this book, but the answer is no. Lọlá gives Yasmiin such a beautiful arc using her background to share how strong of a person she is and showcases the power of sisterhood.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel - the mess, the overdue hair appointments (bless Yasmiin), and ultimately the growth and personal discovery, captured me from dedication to the final line. I can’t wait to read what Lọlá Ákínmádé Åkerström writes next.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the eARC! "Everything Is Not Enough" will be released on Oct 24, 2023, and is available for pre-order.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, and Misogyny
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Miscarriage
More...