Reviews with content warning for Racism - Small Worlds

If there's someone else writing like Caleb Azumah Nelson, point me to them immediately. The sheer lyricism and musicality of his descriptions, how each emotion his characters experience flies off the page and directly into my chest is absolutely astounding to me. This is a gorgeous coming of age story about where we feel at home, with whom home is and how the small worlds of safety and understanding we create with loved ones are deeply personal, but also universal. I don't this this would be for everyone, especially as the pace meanders a bit in the middle, but I found the payoff in the final few chapters to be so worth it.

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laurareads87's review

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

Open Waters follows Stephen, a young Ghanian-British man, in the years after high school; it is especially focused on his relationship with his father and his changing connection to his long-time friend. Stephen is a musician, and I loved Nelson's inclusion of so many musical references; I would love a playlist of all the songs mentioned in this book. I found it more interesting as it went along, and didn't love the repetitive writing in places.

Content warnings: racism, discrimination, police brutality, grief, death of a parent, drug & alcohol use

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sandwiiche's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful 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

4.25

wow. nelson is a masterful writer. his prose is absolutely gorgeous and reads like poetry.
this story is about the struggles of immigrant families, and how they strive to build a new place they can call home. it's a story about loss, the grievance of loved ones, but also the loss of purpose and connection. the story truly heroes the idea that when all else fails, when words cannot express one's thoughts and feelings, it is through the language of song and dance that allows one to voice their heart's truest emotions. it is the space created by music, by letting yourself get lost in the rhythm that gives an individual the opportunity to feel, to open their heart up to the wounds of the past, the joys of the present, and the hopes for the future. ultimately, it is a narrative about the journey to discovering one's identity whilst navigating the rollercoaster of life.

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zara89's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional 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? Yes

5.0

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smurfettereads's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Let me collect my thoughts….

Stephen’s life was absolutely relatable, especially in terms of culture. Unknowingly, I found myself having a deep attachment with him and his small world. Caleb’s writing didn’t help either, because I lived through every single emotion. Every word. I can’t explain further but will say that it was worth the read and tears

I feel like I’m realizing my small world for the first time and I have a strong urge to cherish it with all my might. To savor the old memories and create new countless ones. I just don’t want to remember, I don’t want to forget. Ever

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