A review by imaginefishes
Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

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

4.75

The book is incredibly reflective and draws the reader in through a 2nd-person POV, and emotions are further intensified via constant repetition of certain words or phrases. The book vividly depicts what the Black experience is like, good and bad, and while not the intent of the author, I think anyone from a minority group can relate to a certain extent regarding the thoughts and emotions the main character feels. While I found the story to really speak to me, I began losing some interest by the end, though the unconventional descriptors and metaphors the author uses really targets the precise emotions the character was feeling. All in all, it was a fantastic read and sent me off my own journey of exploration of love (not just romantic) and what that means to me.
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