Caleb Nelson is simply a great writer. His voice and emotions are distinct in SMALL WORLDS. The quick verse gives great snapshot of life, its complexities, and its mundane. Refreshing.

Very sad to report that this one did not work for me. It's especially disappointing because "Open Water" was one of my favorite books of 2022. "Small Worlds" should have been a hit for me since Nelson's writing is just as beautiful and intimate as his previous novel, but I really struggled to get immersed in this story.

I haven’t read Nelson’s debut yet but this one had such beautiful, lyrical prose. A coming of age story about finding one’s path in life despite the protest of your parents wanting a more safe and secure future.

"Small Worlds" by Caleb Azumah Nelson delivers a nuanced exploration of relationships and identity. The prose is eloquent, capturing the complexities of modern life and connection

It took me three times to finally read this short book. I’m glad I finally did, it’s beautifully written. But, there’s quite a lot of phrases repeated in nearly every chapter, and parts felt like it was plot stuck between passages of dancing and music. I liked the ending with family reconciliation, but the story lacked depth to me because of the immense focus on dancing and music.

Interesting follow up to his first novel. It wasn’t my favorite but it was good. Will recommend to my followers

Beautiful, lyrical writing, but I just couldn't get into the story. This book was just not for me, but I do appreciate the thought and messaging and I will be giving Caleb Azumah Nelson another chance in the future,

“The air vibrates with something large and unknown, something which shimmers and shines, something which excites and terrifies. We don’t say goodbye-goodbye sound like an ending, and we don’t want the thing to end. Instead, after we separate, the soft pounding of fists accompanied by in a bit, which is less goodbye, more a promise to meet again.”
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Caleb Azumah Nelson you are a poet masked as a novelist. A wonder with words who makes me read and reread your gorgeous evocative sentences with a profound sense of joy in my heart.
The year #OpenWater came out it was one of my favorite books of not only that year, but of all time, and I’m so happy to have had an almost exact reaction to your latest.
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#SmallWaters follows a young Ghanian man in London and later in his home country. It’s about the discovery of love, it’s infinite joys and crushing lows. It’s about family: mothers and fathers and siblings and relatives, and the complicated dance we move among their bonds. It’s music, and rhythm, and life and death.
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It’s a beautiful portal into a life told in a simply stunning first person narrative. It’s writing as an art at the top of its form. As an added bonus I listened to this as well and Nelson reads it which at times feels like you’re in the front row at the greatest poetry jam.
A definite 2023 favorite.

If Jazz was a book, then it would be this book. The writing has a rhythm that shifts as you move through the story and I loved it.

"I've only ever known myself in song, between notes, in that place where language won't suffice but the drums might, might speak for us, might speak for what is on our hearts"

For me, this was a coming of age story. We have children of immigrant/ expat parents who have to find their own path as they finish school. They have options and opportunities their parents didn't have. We also have the impact what it is to be born into a new country with the marrying of cultures.

The general theme of parents wanting the best for their kids is universal. Is it a waste to want to play music when your parents sacrificed so much to give you a better life, or is having the choice to live the life you want proof that the sacrifice was worthwhile.

Beyond the music are the small worlds we create from time to time and it makes me appreciate the ability to create mine when this world is too big to deal.

If you like stories about family and coming of age with a sprinkle of romance, then this may be for you.
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Thank you @netgalley and Grove Atlantic, Grove Press for letting me read this incredible story.

Delicate portrayal of growing pains and the connections we make! Lyrically rich writing and interesting characters!

I love how this book touches on so many themes so seamlessly as Stephen comes into adulthood and navigates his twenties, from first love to family, and even grief. This book is not too long, but juggles so much so very well. I love this author's writing style. This book had so many good lines.

I heard so many people talk about Caleb Azumah Nelson's "Open Water." When I saw "Small Worlds" was coming out, I had to try it! This author deserves every bit of praise. This is gorgeous.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this book early! I really enjoyed it. I thought the writing was very well done, and the story kept me interested. I believe my students/patrons would also love this book and will be acquiring it for the library!

2.5, rounded up. Unfortunately this couldn’t quite live up to its predecessor for me. Perhaps it’s unfair to expect this sophomore novel to be as immersive, eloquent and emotive as Open Water was but Small Worlds just didn’t have that same punch which I was looking forward to. It felt rushed and at the same time the story felt like it dragged on; the prose felt forced and repetitive (the amount of title references was definitely overdone). I wanted to love this but unfortunately I didn’t. I’ll still read whatever Caleb Azumah Nelson releases next because Open Water remains one of my favourite books!

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC via NetGalley.

I was extremely excited for Nelson's newest novel. This novel spans across the timeline of three summers and how the main character Stephen goes through many changes in his life. 
The poetic prose of nelson is so amazing. His writing is ethereal and beautiful so it pulls you right into the story. I did enjoy the novel but at times I did find it to be slow, especially with Stephens travel back to Ghana. Although I had issues with the pacing at times I would still recommend this to any and everyone for the beautiful writing alone. 
Thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for the eARC!

I'm going to start out by asserting that Caleb Azumah Nelson is one of the best authors alive after reading Open Water. Small Worlds solidified that for me. The story, which spans three summers, follows Stephen as he undergoes significant life changes. Growing pains, family, love, friendship, dancing, and music are all themes in this narrative.

The poetry of Nelson's prose is what I mean when I say "music," not only the literal playlist (especially the one for "Open Water") or the way he can capture the music his characters are producing or listening to in words. It's gorgeous and lyrical, repeats the theme just nicely, and brought tears to my eyes several times during the novel. This is unlike any other prose that I have read that claims to be musical. If writing is a craft, then the writer here is a master.

It was a pleasure to be fully involved in Stephen's world. The voyage from London to Ghana and back again, the drifting apart and coming together, the parallels, oh my God, the parallels. I was so moved by my emotions that I had to put my kindle down several times. I can't think of the last time that occurred. The father narrative tore me to shreds and then put me back together. Without a doubt, this was the best book I read all of 2023.

I have no problems at all. The plot, characters, tempo, writing, music, and conclusion. I don't know how it could get any better, but I'll be there to check when this book is released.


In exchange for my frank review, Grove Atlantic and NetGalley provided me with this ARC. I'm so appreciative that I got to write one of the initial reviews.

Caleb Azumah Nelson is a poet, I am convinced of that. Everything he writes flows with such grace and wisdom. This story pulled my heart in so many directions that by the end, I just wanted to sit down and feel it all.

There is something that blocks me from being able to sink into the words and characters that Nelson writes. I can't quite put my finger on why I do not like the way his prose forms and flows. It could be that I am not quite ready to tackle this particular book at this time. I will try to get to this story at another time.

This book is so much more than words on paper, it's rhythm, it's vibes, it's pure and raw emotions that transcend the pages it is written on. I felt every bit, small or big, of connection, sorrow, and joy that Caleb Azumah Nelson emoted through this story. Small Worlds has some of the most beautiful and lyrical prose I have ever read. The story takes us on a journey through Stephen's life, a young British man who is the son of Ghanian immigrants. It examines father and son relationships, grief, love, racism, and trying to find your place in the world. If "Song Cry" by Jay-Z was a book it would be Small Worlds. And yes, I did shed some tears while reading this book. Honestly, nothing I could say can do this book justice, so just read it for yourself.

I also, strongly recommend listening to the audiobook while reading along. Caleb Azumah Nelson narrates the book himself, and I just love it when an author narrates their own book. It is quite possibly the best audiobook narration I have ever listened to. Caleb Azumah Nelson absolutely nailed it. It was absolutely stunning.

I loved this second novel from Nelson. I appreciated the exploration of romantic as well as familial relationships. Beautiful writing.