My first Caleb Azumah Nelson book, and I'm blown away by the prose. Wow. I knew it would be good, but THIS GOOD? Every word is like a song, so if you can imagine a book that's like a whole album full of them, it would be this. There are actual songs inside too, they show up often, as does dancing. I'm a dancer and when a book starts with dancing and has it as a central theme throughout...well, I'm sold. But it's not always sunshine and rainbows, there's also grief. As someone's who's lost a parent young, I could relate all too well. Honestly though, the whole book is relatable, because Nelson knows how to write. Even the London and Accra settings were so vivid that I felt like I was there myself. I haven't been to Accra yet, but boy, do I want to. As for London I have relatives there (coincidentally the south-east) and that was where I spent my summers so those parts scratched a specific itch in my brain. The only teeny tiny flaw is that I wish more things happened. And I wish it could've been even longer so I could enjoy this wonderful writer explore even more themes that would break my heart and put it back together again. ALSO, I can't wait for the TV series, I know it's going to be amazing. But in the meantime, everyone go and get yourself a copy of this book, that I just finished and immediately want to reread. Yes, it's one of those. Now run, don't walk. *Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Small worlds follows Stephen as he journeys through summers in London and Ghana, relationships blossoming and unravelling, faith, trauma, grief and rhythm. This novel was one that I adored for so many reasons. A love story that expands beyond two people, the familial exploration of trauma and expectation and the art of dance and music as a reflection of the rhythm of life, loss and emotion. Words simply do not suffice for the rawness of Small Worlds and the exploration of how we find pleasure and joy in the simplicity of our own tiny universes and how at times that is, and isn't enough for us. As well as these themes, racism and discrimination in the UK was a big factor of the novel. Introducing such imperative discussions and how it paired with Stephen's personal and familial trauma was so important. It's undoubtedly a novel that will spark so much emotion for all readers, and make us reflect about the space we all hold within our own 'Small Worlds' and society. Another exhilarating novel from Caleb Azumah Nelson, whose writing is as astonishing as it is heartbreaking - I cannot express how much I believe that everybody should read this.

This is a beautiful book that follows the narrative of a young man through three summers of his life, as he navigates life, love and loss. A feeling of community, of friends and family is fully captured, and the pages are rich with Stephen’s love of music. Reading this takes you into the heart of a club, and the feeling of almost religious transcendence that can be found whilst dancing in a group. There is the fragrance and taste of Ghanaian food, and the poignancy of first (and last) love, and the bitterness of regret and disappointment. There is so much kindness in this book, but also awareness of hardships and struggles, communication breakdowns and injustice and cruelty. Relationships can be complex, and sometimes patterns between fathers and sons repeat, unless broken. The writing is pure poetry, with repeated and mirrored phrases that tie the characters together and sing throughout the book. There is an immediacy to the words that pulls us right into the inner small worlds of the characters, building up a nuanced, sympathetic picture. We are taken from a mosh pit, to a family barbecue, to the isolated silence of a student bedroom, to the beach, and over to Ghana with such wisdom and insight. I loved Caleb Azumah Nelson’s first book Open Water so had high hopes for this one. It exceeded my expectations - a sublime reading experience, and thank you to Penguin Random House for my proof copy. I’m looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks on its publication on 11th May.

As we follow Stephen’s life across three summers we delve into familial relationships, love interests and go on a journey of self discovery with a young man who has lost his rhythm, his spark and his sense of freedom. We travel from London to Ghana and back, uncovering the foundations and roots of Stephen’s “small worlds” as he seeks to rediscover his purpose. This book is stunning. What I love about Caleb Azumah Nelson is that his books genuinely feel like a work of art. They are beautifully crafted with every word having its rightful place on the page and every sentence having a purpose. His descriptions throughout Small Worlds transported me to being right there with the characters, they were vivid, heartfelt and lyrical. This novel has a great sense of community running through it and the characters were amazingly written. For a book that’s on the shorter side, the relationships, be it, between a father and son, two lovers or best friends were real, raw, honest and beautifully balanced. I adored the musicality of the writing coupled with the love the main character had for music. The seamless incorporation of song titles into the prose created such a vivid atmosphere which put me right in the thick of the story. Exquisite writing. Pick. This. Up. PLEASE. This is a new firm favourite and one I will revisit countless times in the future, I just know it. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the e-arc.

Really enjoyed the themes of feeling lonely and lost in young adulthood, family and connections. Lovely writting style.