Blindspot in America

Blindspot in America gives a provocative depiction of some of the realities immigrants face in the United States—racism and discrimination—but also their hopes and faith in a country that promises freedom and opportunity to all.

Kamao is the son of a prominent Ghanaian academic and incumbent minister of health and is devoted to all that America symbolizes. After immigrating to the United States in pursuit of higher education and the American Dream, he becomes unwittingly entangled with American politics when he meets Lindsey McAdams, the daughter of an influential, anti-immigration senator. As the couple’s feelings grow, so too does the senator’s animosity toward Kamao. Despite support from fellow immigrants Lazo, Ayefumi, and Dania—who follow American Dreams of their own—Kamao soon finds himself drawn into intrigues hidden from the American public that make him question himself and his adopted country. When Kamao is implicated in a murder, Lindsey’s loyalties are tested, Dania must decide if she is willing to risk her own future and security for the sake of justice, and Kamao discovers how far he’ll go to fulfill his American Dream.

PRAISE FOR BLINDSPOT IN AMERICA

“What happens when a prominent Ghanaian immigrant moves to the American ghetto? What happens when Ghanaian privilege meets American privilege? What happens when higher education and American politics become entangled? What you get is a good story, a story of class, privilege, and power. . . . Elom K. Akoto’s fiction makes a simple, yet sharp meditation on the American Dream, and yes, a dream that for the faithful is still possible.”
—William Archila, author of The Art of Exile, winner of the International Latino Book Award, and The Gravedigger’s Archaeology, Letras Latinas/Red Hen Poetry Prize

“…well written and thought-provoking.”
—Sarah’s Bookish Reviews

“BLINDSPOT IN AMERICA is a compelling read about the American Dream and the sacrifices and disappointments to earn that dream, whatever it may be. Following Kamao’s heartwrenching life in America from finding love, working in a gas station, to eventual imprisonment despite coming from a prominent family in Ghana. I find readers interested in the plight of immigrants, will resonate with this politically charged character-driven story.”
—Nurse Bookie

“…an amazing illustration of the struggles of life in America when one is in opposition to those with privilege.”
—Books I Think You Should Read

“Ooof this book is razzy and full of heart. It’s a story of privilege, power, and class. It’s about what happens when one immigrant decides to follow his dreams but is faced with racism and discrimination…I couldn’t put this one down. Akoto has crafted the perfect, yet heart-breaking yet inspiring story that mixed with the realities of immigration is as captivating as any story you’ve ever read. A book of the times.”
—Book Girl Brown Reviews

“A wonderful novel about privilege in America and what kind of power that holds over others who are not born in this country.”
—Gloriana Wong