Head of Zeus acquires first standalone novel by Lọlá Ákínmádé

Head of Zeus, part of Bloomsbury Publishing, has acquired Lọlá Ákínmádé’s first standalone novel, Bitter Honey – a "story of mothers, daughters, and the importance of carving your own path", spanning four decades.

Former publishing director Madeleine O’Shea acquired UK and Commonwealth rights excluding Canada from Jessica Craig at Craig Literary. Publishing director Kimberley Atkins and commissioning editor Sophie Whitehead will take over publication, publishing the book on the Apollo Fiction list in May 2025, with Tessa James at William Morrow publishing in the US.

The synopsis states: "1978: A scholarship draws Nancy from Gambia’s warmth into Sweden’s winter. When her friendship with charismatic scholar Lars blossoms into something more, she thinks she may have finally found her place. But there’s more to Lars than his charming persona, and Nancy is about to discover the danger of being drawn into his world."

The synopsis also adds: "2006: Tina has had her taste of fame as the nation’s favourite pop princess, but beneath the glittery façade, Tina is desperate to discover who she really is. Her mother, Nancy, seems desperate to keep the past under wraps. Will an unexpected figure help open the door?"

Ákínmádé said: "These characters lived in my mind every single day and I can’t wait till you all meet them too."

Atkins and Whitehead added: "Lọlá’s writing deftly combines humour, drama and real heart, and Bitter Honey is no exception."