Description

THE TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING NOVEL

SHORTLISTED FOR THE DYLAN THOMAS PRIZE 2024

Dancing is the one thing that can solve Stephen’s problems.

At Church with his family, the shimmer of Black hands raised in praise. With his band, making music speaking not just to their hardships, but their joys. Grooving with his best friend, so close their heads might touch. Dancing alone to his father’s records, uncovering parts of a man he has never truly known. His youth, shame and sacrifice.

Stephen has only ever known himself in song. But what becomes of him when the music fades?

Set over the course of three summers, from South London to Ghana and back again, SMALL WORLDS is a novel about the worlds we build for ourselves. The worlds we live, dance and love within.

*****

‘Caleb Azumah Nelson’s stunning second novel confirms his status as a literary star’ Observer

‘Beautiful, unforgettable and all-consuming’ Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie

‘SMALL WORLDS is a book for everyone . . . an uplifting symphony of a summer read’ Times

Top 10 Sunday Times bestseller, May 2023

Publisher Review

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 *