A review by khaleesimod93
In Every Mirror She's Black by Lọlá Ákínmádé Åkerström

challenging emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This book took a lot to get into. Not because of the writing, but the characters, and it seemed aimless. I wasn't sure exactly what the author was trying to convey. Though I will say, the systemic racism and outright horrible treatment of Kemi, Manu, and Brittany by those around them made me sick. The only character I honestly loved and truly felt for and understood was Manu. Her story was absolutely devastating. She lost everything over and over again. I couldn't believe her constant losses. She only wanted a place to belong and feel at home. It's heartbreaking reading her story. The struggles as an immigrant to Sweden and also a black young woman. Her story was what made me keep going. Kemi's character was second best as I loved her intelligence and drive. Though it was so hard to see her be so naive when she moved to Sweden. I wanted her to be stronger. On her own, but she didn't fully develop into herself until Tobias. And for me, that was extremely disappointing. Yes, I'm glad she's happy but sad she didn't find her "backbone" until a man came along. Brittany honestly annoyed me. She let herself be a pawn. She never grew. And to me, she was so unlikable. Overall, while i enjoyed some of the characters, I felt lost. An aimless journey with no destination. Im not sure if that was the intention or not. And then the ending just stopped. No explanation, nothing. 
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