Small Worlds

★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10

320 pages

What’s it about?

This novel centers on Stephen.  Stephen is a first-generation immigrant from Ghana living in London.  He lives with his parents and older brother, Raymond.  His father has a path set out for Stephen, which is safe and feels necessary to him.  When Stephen forges a new path, it affects the family in many ways.

What did it make me think about?

What a writer!

Should I read it?

What a talented storyteller Caleb Azumah Nelson is!  I did not read Open Water (his first book), but I will have to rectify that.  The author writes a lot about being open with those you are in a relationship with and how difficult that can be. We see Stephen struggle to find his way; his journey is worth reading about. "You're worried your own body is storing harm in the seclusion of its darkness.  You're worried that there's only so much your heart can take.  You're worried that your anger and sadness have been echoing through your life, multiplying, misdirecting, finding homes in those closest to you." I wanted to find out what would happen with Stephen so it was not difficult to read. However, this is a slower-paced novel, so do not expect fireworks. But do expect exceptional writing and thoughtful insights.

A passage I marked

"Maybe this is all we need sometimes, for someone else to believe the possibilities you see for yourself."