A review by nightfell
Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I don't really know what to say other than this book was really good. The pace was really slow, and it follows the main character's relationship with a woman already in a relationship with his friend. I would describe this book as an insight into what it feels like to love someone who you feel an intense connection with that no one else can understand. Whilst dealing with topics such as racial profiling, and the quiet sadness that comes with struggling to find peace in life. 
There were some REALLY good lines throughout that kept me reading, as the book maintains the same tone throughout as each sub section is a snippet of their life together which made it hard for me to keep reading. I wasn't attached to any of the characters, and wasn't emotionally connected with their relationship. The real draw of this book for me was how the author describes what it feels like to be obsessed with another, and how hard life in general is.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings