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michellechien930's review against another edition
3.0
Open Water is the kind of book that has a very rhythmic prose, a book that is poetic fiction personified. Every line is an analogy, every line has a hidden meaning. I felt like at times the plot was lost in the lyrical sense of the writing style, but it still conveyed its story well: a boy meeting a girl and falling in love, separated by difficult circumstances and life. I was a bit lost in the seemingly unending character sketches, but some of the written lines are rightfully amazing. I really liked the bits where the main character described watching Moonlight for the first time, and when he listened to Frank Ocean's album while lounging in the sea, it felt impactful and amazing to hear them artfully described when I loved them so much as well. I also loved the analogies about 35 mm film and art, especially my favorite, the ending paragraph of this book:
When the photo is developed, she’s sure, if you look closely, you’ll see the shadows cast across your skin, the eyes both seeing her and seeing the world, the honesty resting calmly on your features. If you look closely, you might see a tear making a journey from eye to cheek, as you cry for her. If you look closely, you’ll see what she has always seen, what she always will: you.
When the photo is developed, she’s sure, if you look closely, you’ll see the shadows cast across your skin, the eyes both seeing her and seeing the world, the honesty resting calmly on your features. If you look closely, you might see a tear making a journey from eye to cheek, as you cry for her. If you look closely, you’ll see what she has always seen, what she always will: you.
msjenkins's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
maddielloyd's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
aliceh90's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
dutchjellybean's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
eypsbooks's review
4.0
If you’re still waiting to pick this up…what for?
This book explores the relationship between two black young adults as they navigate love, their artistic passions, and racial injustice in modern day Britain. But, to summarise it in that way is to reduce it to its most basic form. It is so much more than that.
I am in awe of the words Nelson uses and the way in which he pieces them all together, weaving them into a beautiful narrative where the love, the pain, the aching drain of existence and reality are all explored. The pain in this book is so real; the love in this book is so real. And I think this is why so many people can relate to this story.
If you can’t already tell, I’m struggling to put into words how I feel about this book. It is such a powerful piece of literature. I would recommend it to anyone.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Books for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book explores the relationship between two black young adults as they navigate love, their artistic passions, and racial injustice in modern day Britain. But, to summarise it in that way is to reduce it to its most basic form. It is so much more than that.
I am in awe of the words Nelson uses and the way in which he pieces them all together, weaving them into a beautiful narrative where the love, the pain, the aching drain of existence and reality are all explored. The pain in this book is so real; the love in this book is so real. And I think this is why so many people can relate to this story.
If you can’t already tell, I’m struggling to put into words how I feel about this book. It is such a powerful piece of literature. I would recommend it to anyone.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Books for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
nickiitay's review
4.0
A beautifully written and in my opinion, REALISTIC, modern romance that explores the complications of sustaining a relationship on top of the pressure faced by black individuals in society.
Although only 164 pages, I don’t consider this a quick read because the second person perspective was so unique, I wanted to absorb it all. I’ll definitely be re-reading this one in the future.
”I love you, you know?” She had swum out into open water, and it is not long before you join her. You take but a moment before saying, “I love you too.”
•••
She makes you sleep on the sofa, you’re glad because, in the taxi home, as she was leaning out the window, you realize it was alcohol you were swimming in, not water.”
Although only 164 pages, I don’t consider this a quick read because the second person perspective was so unique, I wanted to absorb it all. I’ll definitely be re-reading this one in the future.
”I love you, you know?” She had swum out into open water, and it is not long before you join her. You take but a moment before saying, “I love you too.”
•••
She makes you sleep on the sofa, you’re glad because, in the taxi home, as she was leaning out the window, you realize it was alcohol you were swimming in, not water.”
abrajoy's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
khutchlyn's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0