69 pages • 2 hours read
Open Water
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Book Brief
160
Novel • Fiction
London • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson follows the romantic journey of two Black artists from South East London as they navigate the challenges of building emotional bonds amidst systemic racism, police violence, and personal trauma. The novel is a lyrical exploration of intimacy, vulnerability, and the joy and pain of Black creativity and community. Topics of systemic racism and police violence are depicted.
Emotional
Contemplative
Romantic
Melancholic
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
70,164 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Caleb Azumah Nelson's Open Water is praised for its lyrical prose and emotional depth, delving into themes of love, racial identity, and vulnerability. While some find its fragmented narrative style challenging, it captivates many with its intimate portrayal of a young Black artist's journey. The novel's poetic language and vivid imagery stand out, though opinions on its pacing vary.
Who Should Read Open Water?
Readers who cherish deep, lyrical explorations of love, race, and identity will find Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson compelling. Fans of James Baldwin's If Beale Street Could Talk or Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me will appreciate its poignant narrative and emotional depth.
70,164 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Woman/The Lover
The Woman/The Lover
The narrator’s love interest and eventual lover, who is a dancer attending university in Dublin. She represents the liberating power of love and art in the narrator's life.
The Narrator’s Grandmother
The Narrator’s Grandmother
A central figure in the narrator’s life, she appears in his daydreams as a source of wisdom and support. Despite her passing, her influence remains significant and encouraging.
Freddie (Narrator’s Brother)
Freddie (Narrator’s Brother)
The narrator’s younger brother, a university student, who shares a close emotional bond with the narrator. Their relationship includes mutual care and support during personal struggles.
Narrator’s Father
Narrator’s Father
A largely unseen influence in the narrator's life, characterized by emotional repression and traditional views on masculinity. His relationship with the narrator is complex and marked by silence.
Leon
Leon
The narrator’s barber, offering gentleness and wisdom as a counterpoint to harsh stereotypes. He provides a nurturing space for the narrator to express vulnerability and confront shared struggles.
160
Novel • Fiction
London • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
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