Devon's Natural Mr Universe Champion Lifts His Mother’s Memoir to Success

At 81, former Branscombe Primary School teacher and author KJ Akay—known professionally as Jennifer Akay—is enjoying a remarkable literary moment few could have predicted. Her debut memoir, The Fruits of Victory, has quietly climbed to the top of Amazon’s Regional UK Biographies chart, capturing the hearts of readers with its vivid portrayal of post-war childhood in Barnsley.

The book’s success has sparked something even more meaningful than chart rankings: reconnection. Former classmates and pupils, some now in their eighties, have reached out after discovering her story through local media and social platforms, drawn in by its warmth, honesty, and shared memories of a bygone era.

Building on that unexpected triumph, Akay has released a second memoir, Life Around the Sparrow. Picking up where her first book left off, it follows her move from Barnsley to Manchester in the mid-1960s, where she began her teaching career. Set between 1965 and 1972, the memoir offers an unfiltered glimpse into the challenges of a young woman navigating independence for the first time—financial hardship, unfamiliar surroundings, and the realities of working-class life.

At the heart of the story is the now-closed Albert Memorial School in Collyhurst, where Akay’s early teaching experiences unfolded. Through her eyes, readers are transported into a community shaped by resilience and struggle, laying the foundations for the educator she would become.

The book is already making an impact, reaching #16 in Amazon’s Children’s Studies category and drawing praise for its authenticity and emotional depth.

Behind the scenes, the project is very much a family affair. Akay’s son, Ed Akay—a Natural Mr Universe champion—has taken on the role of publicist through his PR brand, Midas Touch. The collaboration adds a unique dimension to her publishing journey, blending personal legacy with professional promotion.

Reflecting on her recent success, Akay describes the response to her work as deeply moving. Hearing from former pupils and old friends has been a highlight, reaffirming the lasting impact of a career she describes as both fulfilling and joyful. With Life Around the Sparrow, she hopes to share the beginnings of that journey—the formative years that shaped not only her teaching, but her life.

Both The Fruits of Victory and Life Around the Sparrow are available now on Amazon, offering readers a heartfelt window into a life defined by resilience, community, and the enduring power of education.

For more information on KJ Akay check out www.kjakay.com