shayenne_jd 's review for:

Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

4.25

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

---

It’s one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read. As a poet myself, I was deeply moved by Nelson’s lyrical, poetic style; it carried me through the pages effortlessly. The structure is exactly how I like it: short chapters that you can breathe through, yet still carry emotional weight. The book blends emotional intimacy with sharp cultural commentary, weaving in references to politics, music, and Black identity in a way that feels natural and powerful. What truly sets it apart is its tender portrayal of vulnerability, especially in men, and how essential that is in today’s world of disconnected relationships. It’s not perfect, some moments feel slightly repetitive or intentionally obscure, but the emotional honesty and artistic voice more than make up for that. A rare and necessary novel.