Small Worlds
An exhilarating and expansive new novel about fathers and sons, faith and friendship from National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree and Costa First Novel Award winning author Caleb Azumah Nelson
One of the most acclaimed and internationally bestselling “unforgettable” (New York Times) debuts of the 2021, Caleb Azumah Nelson’s London-set love story Open Water took the US by storm and introduced the world to a salient and insightful new voice in fiction. Now, with his second novel Small Worlds, the prodigious Azumah Nelson brings another set of enduring characters to brilliant life in his signature rhythmic, melodic prose.
Set over the course of three summers, Small Worlds follows Stephen, a first-generation Londoner born to Ghanian immigrant parents, brother to Ray, and best friend to Adeline. On the cusp of big life changes, Stephen feels pressured to follow a certain path—a university degree, a move out of home—but when he decides instead to follow his first love, music, his world and family fractures in ways he didn’t foresee. Now Stephen must find a path and peace for himself: a space he can feel beautiful, a space he can feel free.
Moving from London, England to Accra, Ghana and back again, Small Worlds is an exquisite and intimate new novel about the people and places we hold close, from one of the most “elegant, poetic” (CNN) and important voices of a generation.
My thoughts:
This is a beautifully written, often gorgeous book that completely pulled me in. It’s tough to review because not a lot happens, but then on the other hand, so much does.
This is a coming-of-age novel about Stephen, a young Black man trying to find his place in the world, especially when his path doesn’t line up with what his father wants for him.
Music and dance are central to Stephen’s life. They’re how he connects to his family, his friends, and himself. The book explores what it means to belong in a world that treats you differently than your white peers, and it does so quietly and thoughtfully. That awareness is always present, even in moments of joy. And there is plenty of joy here. Nelson makes space for it. He understands that survival isn’t just about struggle. It’s also about finding beauty wherever you can and holding onto it.
I really loved how interior this novel is. It spends time inside Stephen’s thoughts and feelings, letting uncertainty exist without rushing toward resolution. The relationship between Stephen and his father is especially well done, full of unspoken tension, expectation, and generational misunderstanding.
This isn’t a fast-paced or plot-heavy book. It’s driven by voice, mood, and emotional truth. If you like literary fiction that leans into language and character, this one is absolutely worth your time.
I’m already looking forward to reading Nelson’s other novel, Open Water, which I’ve heard is even better.
