A review by insarahsgoodbooks
Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

emotional 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

This is a beautifully written and poignant novel that touches on several essential themes, including love, identity, race, art, and the struggles faced by young Black individuals in a predominantly white society. The main characters in the novel are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for me to connect with their struggles and aspirations. However, the novel's central theme of love, while beautifully portrayed, leaned towards the romantic genre more than I expected. I felt like the focus on the romantic relationship between the two main characters overshadowed other aspects of their lives and artistic pursuits, making the novel feel too sentimental for me. I also found the pacing a bit too slow so I was struggling trying to carry on with the novel. It is still a great debut novel. The author's ability to convey complex emotions through the written word is commendable and adds depth to the characters' experiences.