Small Worlds

Caleb Azumah Nelson's "Small Worlds" delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the challenges of coming of age in a multicultural setting. The novel skillfully portrays immigrant experiences, the effects of gentrification, and the importance of self-acceptance, engaging readers on both an intellectual and emotional level.Nelson's writing is both lyrical and vivid, painting a rich picture of his characters and the dynamic environments they inhabit. Through his accessible yet profound language, he draws readers deeper into the story.The characters, particularly Stephen and Yvonne, are brought to life with empathy and detail, offering profound insights into their psychological and emotional growth.By exploring themes of cultural assimilation, economic change, and personal identity, "Small Worlds" serves as a commentary on the complexities of a shifting world. Through its depiction of London's diverse neighborhoods, the novel highlights universal themes while remaining grounded in local relevance.

This book is both beautiful and heart wrenching..it is also vividly and beautifully written. I loved all of it but particularly the idea reiterated throughout that music provides some of us with the only space that we know in which we can know freedom. This is something I have always known but Caleb articulated it for me for the first time. Thank you Caleb..something is changed in me by this novel

It has taken me a while to write my review on this book but I wanted to take my time.This was such a surprise to me.Caleb's writing is so lyrical and has a very distinctive rhythm. I haven't ever read a book like it.It wasn't a fast paced book and there were no twists but it was a great insight in to the protagonists small world. I loved it.One my favourite quotes said throughout the book was "Grief never ends, but we find a way to walk in the light someone has left behind". I felt this in many many ways.I also appreciated the music and the playlist which is definitely the soundtrack to my own childhood (I loved the QR code that meant you could listen to it too!)There was a section on page 97 which just stood out for me too "...a small beautiful motion from the hips, a small beautiful smile on your lips, the party tipping towards it's close, the tiredness finally settling in your bones..." It's absolute lyrical genius. It gave me what I needed at that moment in the book. There were so many moments like this.I still don't see why this wasn't on the booker longlist. It absolutely should have been.

Beautifully written book. Azumah Nelson weaves the tale of a boy finding his place in the world as a man. Great observation of the small worlds we create for ourselves.

Wonderful book .Open Water was very very good but this novel was even better.I have read hundreds of books in my 57 years but can’t think of many that were in the same league as this one.!

There's power in Azumah Nelson's prose, but I couldn't connect with many of his characters, especially Stephen, the protagonist. The narrative is too frequently hijacked by an essay on racism and the search for belonging to a past that no longer exists. I know young writers are exploring their own reality, but that story has been done to death for the past 50 years across so many cultures and literary traditions. I also tired of contradiction between Stephen's inner musing and unrequited longing for openess, and the emotional fluency of his peers. There's only so much I can take of "I wish I'd said something, but I couldn't find the words". I think the time has passed for that escape hatch to be sealed shut.