Small Worlds

Nelson writes about closeness, with family, with lovers, with art, as careful, essential labour -- Raven Leilani, author of Luster
A mesmerising Peckham love story * i *
An affecting meditation on the migrant experience * Guardian *
Caleb Azumah Nelson's writing is touching, heartfelt, and musically rich -- Diana Evans
Small Worlds is an emotionally astute novel that cements this 29-year-old south London author as one of the UK's best. * New Statesman *
SMALL WORLDS is a miracle of observation, of attention and attunement. Caleb Azumah Nelson writes prose that is unmatched in its musicality and sensitivity. A gorgeous, rhapsodic, wise novel -- KATIE KITAMURA, author of INTIMACIES
In his beautiful new novel Nelson summons the sounds of Black Youth, love and discovery to the page. A celebration of the heart -- Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, author of CHAIN-GANG ALL-STARS and FRIDAY BLACK
Caleb Azumah Nelson's Open Water was a slim masterpiece. His second novel, Small Worlds is a similarly lapidary coming-of-age story set over three years in the life of an extraordinary young man. * Observer *
A gentle reflection on self-discovery * Vogue, 2023 Spring Highlights *
If you haven't had a chance to read Caleb Azumah Nelson's debut, Open Water, about a gorgeous love affair in modern-day London, then please do; it'll keep you occupied until his new release is out on 11 May, which is about fathers and sons, the power of dance and how one man can create a life he loves * Stylist, Big Fiction for 2023 *
A wonderful, dexterous work. Caleb Azumah Nelson explores modes of blackness in ways that are enriching and invigorating -- IRENOSEN OKOJIE
Caleb Azumah Nelson's writing captures nostalgia-that most essential of sentiments-like no other. I was immersed, transported, and at the same time affirmed in the familiar. Gorgeous -- Sareeta Domingo, author of IF I DON'T HAVE YOU
Small Worlds grabs you by the heart and holds tightly, revealing a story as beautiful and as lyrical as the words that adorn the pages. -- Sofia Akel
Both intimate and inviting, Azumah Nelson weaves not just worlds but exquisite universes with his words. SMALL WORLDS is a masterful exploration of love, masculinity, coming of age and community, and Azumah Nelson's dextrous, sublime pen brings it into dazzling life. -- Bolu Babalola, author of LOVE IN COLOUR
A book which is alert and enlivening, at once serious and a pleasure to read * Literary Review *
Small Worlds is a Vermeer universe of a novel, of warmth, deep feeling, aching and gorgeousness. To read is to be hugged by a rich brown oak, ever stretching out. It is as charged as it is earthed. It is wonderful. -- Inua Ellams
It's a story about finding both one's identity and one's place in the world. -- Art Review
moving, intimate, and sizzling hot * Sunday Times *
Steeped in nostalgia, grief and heartbreak, yet somehow still hopeful, this is one of the best books I've read all year. * City AM *
This story about rebuilding small worlds - places in which to feel beautiful and free - is itself a thing of beauty * Prospect *
A coming-of-age story set in London's Peckham and Ghana that follows Stephen's journey to manhood' * The Sun - Your Tik Top summer reads *