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.

I loved OPEN WATERS, and was excited for SMALL WORLDS, but I just could not get into this one. :( I found it hard to read and just couldn't bring myself to keep reading. Thank you for the arc.

Caleb Azumah Nelson has perfected the quiet novel. I’m left speechless and raw.

Small Worlds illuminates the small worlds we make for ourselves. It’s as much about loneliness, grief, and coming of age as it is about fathers and the sons who want to know them. It’s unbelievably quiet and tender, asking readers to please sit and listen.

The writing is gorgeous, as expected, but the way that Caleb Azumah Nelson used a handful of phrases over and over throughout the entirety of the book feels very special. I’m not sure any other author could execute this style of call back as effectively. These phrases, sentences, and plot lines are always repeated in the same way so that we, the reader, never forget the parallels or the way our lives are connected. This particular attention to detail feels really rewarding, its repetitiveness feels like a parent ensuring we do not forget.

“How could I forget?”

I really didn't think I would love this book so much starting it, to be honest. But after the first third of it, it moved me so deeply I couldn't stop thinking about it, and about Stephen and his way of seeing every little things, every little lights that shine around him and the people he loves. That was beautiful.

Caleb Azumah Nelson's "Small Worlds" is a beautiful and poetic book set in London. Nelson is an artist. Coming of age stories are one of my favorite genres. In this book, the story is told from the point of view of Stephen. He uses music and photography to connect with family, friends and community. But as the child of immigrants, his parents do not approve. They want to see their son in a follow a more traditional career. Beautifully written I would love to hear the audio version of this book to fully appreciate the prose.
Thank you Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.

As someone who holds Open Water very near and dear, I went into this with maybe too high of hopes. While Open Water felt like a novel of its time, Small Worlds didn't connect in a similar way. I think, for me, this is because the prose was a bit forced at times, with stakes that didn't match the energy.
Poetic jabs come in at a weird time, often in closing paragraphs that didn't call for heightened, emotional moments. Sadly, I didn't like this. But I think the author is exceptionally talented and will continue to read what they release.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this!

An absolutely great read.

I was super excited to read Nelson's second book after absolutely LOVING his first.

I cannot wait to see what else he continues to write.

There were many moments throughout this where I had to stop and just admire the gorgeous sentences before me. The writing is lyrical and poetic. I have many quotes written down from this book in my journal. At the heart of this is a coming of age story about the spaces we create and live in. I really admired we were able to explore the spaces created for family, friends, religion, culture, and ourselves, and how all of those spaces come together to form a person's reality. There were moments that were a little repetitive when it didn't feel necessary to the story. I wish there had been more time spent diving deeper into how the spaces we create interact with one another, and the ways in which those spaces force us to grow in new and challenging ways.