A review by marydish
Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

emotional reflective 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

5.0

This book is a stunning journey of vulnerability. It’s written in second person and never gives a name for the main character and his love interest, which is just one example of how the author helps the reader develop and maintain an empathic viewpoint for what they read. Open Water is a Black love story in which the man is forced to confront his internal state of being to see and continue being seen by the woman he loves. He trudges out into the depths of love and emotion but can’t do it without reflecting on the Black experience and trauma that comes with it. This was a really emotionally and beautiful story and I found myself tearing up at the profound one liners and writing style. Incredible read all around.