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jordanian_reads_'s review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed Caleb Azumah Nelson’s debut novel, Open Water, but I flat out loved Small Worlds.
Stephen is a musician and a second-generation immigrant in London, and, in Small Worlds, Nelson takes us through three of Stephen’s summers following his high school graduation. On the surface, I don’t have much in common with Nelson’s main character and my college years are starting to feel distant. Even so, Nelson’s observations on family, relationships, career goals, and belonging were wrenchingly relatable.
Small Worlds revolves around music and is written lyrically enough to sometimes feel like music in and of itself. It doesn’t hurt that a couple chapters in I switched to the audiobook, which is narrated by the author and really accentuated the musicality of his writing. Interestingly, I counted 25 times that Nelson used the words “small world” in this book, and far from feeling repetitive, they felt like a natural refrain.
Some have critiqued the fact that the novel’s scope is not as targeted as Open Water; however, Small World’s slice-of-life approach really worked for me. All in all, I highly recommend this novel, especially on audiobook!
Thank you to Grove Atlantic, Dreamscape Media, and Netgalley for the ARCs. (Out 7/18)
Stephen is a musician and a second-generation immigrant in London, and, in Small Worlds, Nelson takes us through three of Stephen’s summers following his high school graduation. On the surface, I don’t have much in common with Nelson’s main character and my college years are starting to feel distant. Even so, Nelson’s observations on family, relationships, career goals, and belonging were wrenchingly relatable.
Small Worlds revolves around music and is written lyrically enough to sometimes feel like music in and of itself. It doesn’t hurt that a couple chapters in I switched to the audiobook, which is narrated by the author and really accentuated the musicality of his writing. Interestingly, I counted 25 times that Nelson used the words “small world” in this book, and far from feeling repetitive, they felt like a natural refrain.
Some have critiqued the fact that the novel’s scope is not as targeted as Open Water; however, Small World’s slice-of-life approach really worked for me. All in all, I highly recommend this novel, especially on audiobook!
Thank you to Grove Atlantic, Dreamscape Media, and Netgalley for the ARCs. (Out 7/18)
mj_sharps's review against another edition
emotional
4.5
loved this. reads like poetry. a beaut second novel from Caleb Azumah Nelson.
adrianascala's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The perfect book. What an amazingly written story of love through generations and grief and trauma and desire for your parents to love you.
mcglassa's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.0
gabbybuckles's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
noemieblue's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.25
alexandrabarker's review against another edition
5.0
This book seeps with emotion, grief, love and music. Nelson has a way with words and makes you feel for the characters even if you can't relate to their situation. This book has a special place in my heart and I can't wait to read Open Water.
(the music taste in this book is immaculate)
(the music taste in this book is immaculate)
cherylvdp's review against another edition
5.0
This book is so beautifully written and so extremely moving
jolovesbookstbh's review against another edition
4.0
4.5⭐️
Beautifully written, moving and seeping raw emotion.
Beautifully written, moving and seeping raw emotion.