A beautiful book! The writing is incredible.
Listening to the songs mentioned as I read really immersed me in the story, and I thought this was such a clever way to tell the story!

Thank you for my copy!

coming of age, jazz music, beautiful prose, familial relationships, and an exploration of grief???? say less.

Unfortunately I was unable to download this book before the archive date, so I'm not able to leave a review. I look forward to reading and reviewing books by this author in the future.

Once again I absolutely adored a book by Caleb Azumah Nelson. The writing is exquisite and the story full of all of its emotions creeps up on you throughout.

What I love so much about the writing is that so often we are shown rather than told what we’re meant to feel. Then there will be a line that is so beautiful and perfectly encapsulates the moment it takes your breath away. The story unfolds slowly. In this collection of moments and small world. A family that pulls apart and then comes back together through loss. A short opportunity to glimpse the perspective of a complicated father as we diverge from the view of him from the narrator was an amazing stylistic choice as well.

One of those stories you want to linger in. A read you’ll notice something new in each time you revisit. That echoes our own actions as we make our way through the world.

The writing style was not at all working for me. I tried the audio, and 25% of the way in, I was just not hooked. Sometimes lyrical novels hit for me, but other times they miss by a long shot - this one was that for me.

For those who can make it through the prose, I’m a little jealous since this one is generally highly rated. Alas, I hope I can try OPEN WATER and see if that’s a better place t start with Nelson’s writing.

Thanks to @groveatlantic and @netgalley for the digital review copy!

I absolutely adored Open Water, so I knew I needed to read Small Worlds. A little slow in parts but the exquisite writing style and a beautiful story remains. I felt perhaps the story was lacking the depth of his previous novel but overall I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading anything Caleb writes next!

I read this solely based on the author because Open Water was excellent. Once again, this is a sensitive and gentle examination of a main character and his relationships. A lovable cast of characters frames Stephen's world where he allows music to speak where he cannot find the words. I am always here for a complex parent relationship, and this one has a father-son dynamic that keeps you turning the page.

Thank you to NetGalley for the readers copy in exchange for a (late) review.
I don’t know how Caleb Azumah Nelson does it. The imagery, characters and ideas are so lyrical and beautiful that it almost feels like a dream. Reading his writing makes me feel bad at words.
If you liked Open Water, you’ll love this. I’m excited to see where Caleb Azumah Nelson goes next.
Also the cover is stunning ❤

After reading Nelsons debut novel I couldnt wait to pick this up. Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson is a stunning debut novel that explores themes of love, loss, race, and masculinity. The story follows two young men, C and K, as they navigate their complex relationship against the backdrop of London. Highly recommend

Caleb Azumah Nelson is such a talented writer. I'm not sure I liked this one as much as Open Water, but there's no denying that he has a very special gift.

Small Worlds is a beautifully written, deeply emotional exploration of family, love, and identity. Caleb Azumah Nelson’s ability to intertwine music, place, and memory creates a richly textured narrative that lingers long after the final page. It’s a novel that asks readers to pause and reflect on their own "small worlds"—the intimate spaces that shape who we are and how we see ourselves.

For those who appreciate introspective, character-driven novels with poetic prose and themes of cultural identity, Small Worlds is a powerful, moving read. It confirms Nelson as a remarkable talent in contemporary literary fiction, offering a story that is as much about the internal landscapes we carry as the physical ones we inhabit.

Review of Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson is a lyrical exploration of identity, belonging, and the transformative power of dance. The novel follows Stephen, a young man navigating the complexities of his cultural heritage and personal aspirations within the vibrant settings of London and Ghana.

The prose is characterized by its poetic elegance and evocative imagery. Each sentence is carefully crafted, creating a rhythmic flow that mirrors the novel's central theme of dance. This style enhances the portrayal of Stephen’s journey of self-discovery, offering a thoughtful meditation on the immigrant experience and the quest for personal freedom.

Stephen’s story delves into the duality of his existence, contrasting his dynamic life in London with his connections to Ghanaian traditions. Dance serves as a metaphor for his internal conflicts and aspirations, symbolizing his resistance to societal constraints and his pursuit of personal autonomy.

However, the novel's pacing may sometimes be challenging. The introspective and repetitive nature of the prose, while artistically executed, can sometimes feel slow, potentially leading to disengagement before the story reaches its full depth. This stylistic choice, though initially engaging, may become overwhelming for those seeking a more brisk narrative.

Despite these pacing issues, Small Worlds remains a compelling read. The novel’s ability to weave together themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage with poetic grace is impressive. Its exploration of generational trauma, the immigrant experience, and the search for belonging provides valuable insights into navigating multiple cultural identities.

In summary, Small Worlds offers a richly written and introspective reading experience. Its poetic prose and reflective storytelling make it a poignant exploration of the intersections of culture and personal identity.

I am in a minority but I struggled with this novel. The over-the-top poetic prose had me rolling my eyes on many occasions! The novel became increasingly repetitive and I was bored before I reached halfway.

On the plus side, I did enjoy the musical references and made some additions to my Spotify playlist as a result!

This was a decent read with a few strengths and weaknesses. Nelson's writing is poetic, and the themes of identity and belonging are thoughtfully addressed. However, the story's pacing felt slow at times, and I found it difficult to stay fully engaged throughout. While the characters are well-developed, the narrative didn't leave a lasting impression on me. Overall, it's an okay book... worth reading, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations.

It took me some time before I could formulate the right thoughts for this book. Caleb Azumah Nelson's brilliance is reminiscent of James Baldwin. Every stroke of word and sentence in this sophomore novel following the deeply personal debut Open Water has shown Nelson's maturity and mastery exploring key themes of grief, generational trauma, and the fear of facing adulthood.

I loved every moment of this novel. It sent me to Elysium while reading it and smashed me back down to earth when I finished it. I didn't want to turn the page but the words compels me. I will recommend this book to every soul I know because Caleb Azumah Nelson's name needs to be in everyone's radar.

“Small Worlds” by Caleb Azumah Nelson is a captivating narrative that beautifully intertwines the themes of identity, culture, and the transformative power of dance. The protagonist, Stephen, is a young man straddling two worlds - the bustling, multicultural cityscape of London and the rich, ancestral heritage of Ghana.

Nelson’s prose is a symphony of words, each sentence dancing off the page much like Stephen loses himself in the rhythm of dance. Dance serves as a metaphorical thread throughout the book, a lifeline that Stephen clings to as he navigates the complexities of his existence.

The book offers a profound exploration of the immigrant experience, particularly the challenges faced by a young Black man in contemporary England. Stephen’s journey of self-discovery is a poignant narrative that resonates with the reader, as he grapples with his dual identity and seeks to carve out his own path.

However, the pace of the book may be slow for some readers, with the narrative unfolding gradually. Yet, this allows Nelson to delve deeper into the characters and their experiences, painting a vivid picture of their lives.

The rise of nationalism and the struggle for autonomy are also explored, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative. The book is a testament to Nelson’s storytelling prowess, offering a fresh perspective on themes that are often overlooked.

In conclusion, “Small Worlds” is a compelling read that offers a deep dive into the intricacies of identity, culture, and the immigrant experience. It’s a testament to Nelson’s ability to craft a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Honestly, this one just didn't stick out to me. I really don't have any memory of it while coming back to write this review.

Small Worlds is destined to be recognised with love and adoration. Written with love, passion and empathy, coming from a completely different world I could see myself.

DNF. I adored Nelson's previous book, but this one just felt too slow for me. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood and if I return to it later I'll feel differently. I was disappointed by this book.

Another beautiful, haunting, and memorable work from the author of Open Water. A love song to music and to love itself.