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Published: 11/05/2023

Set in London and Ghana across three summers, Small Worlds is an intimate and powerful exploration of a son-father relationship, music, and searching for meaning from the acclaimed author of Open Water.
Signed Edition
A Standard Edition is available here
Shortlisted for The Orwell Prize for Political Fiction 2023
The one thing that can solve Stephen's problems is dancing. Dancing at Church, with his parents and brother, the shimmer of Black hands raised in praise; he might have lost his faith, but he does believe in rhythm. Dancing with his friends, somewhere in a basement with the drums about to drop, while the DJ spins garage cuts. Dancing with his band, making music which speaks not just to the hardships of their lives, but the joys too. Dancing with his best friend Adeline, two-stepping around the living room, crooning and grooving, so close their heads might touch. Dancing alone, at home, to his father's records, uncovering parts of a man he has never truly known.
Stephen has only ever known himself in song. But what becomes of him when the music fades? When his father begins to speak of shame and sacrifice, when his home is no longer his own? How will he find space for himself: a place where he can feel beautiful, a place he might feel free?
Set over the course of three summers in Stephen's life, from London to Ghana and back again, Small Worlds is an exhilarating and expansive novel about the worlds we build for ourselves, the worlds we live, dance and love within.
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
ISBN: 2928377160081
Number of pages: 240
Weight: 500 g
Dimensions: 204 x 132 x 25 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'Let's hear it for Caleb Azumah Nelson, also known as the future' - Benjamin Zephaniah
'An exhilarating new voice in British fiction' - Vogue
'One of Britain's most exciting young voices' - Harper's Bazaar
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“Superb!!”
Thank you to the publishers for this early review copy.
Having previously been a massive fan of his first book - Open Water this book latest book was started with the highest of expectations.
So I am pleased to...
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“Another lyrical masterpiece from the author of Open Water”
Stephen lives with his mum and dad (who both grew up in Ghana) and brother Ray in South London amidst a close-knit black community. Stephen has inherited his dad's love of music. He plays the trumpet in a jazz... More
“Lyrical and moving”
With thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for my proof copy.
Another great one from Caleb!
Loved Open Water last year so was an easy choice to dive straight into his second novel.
Absolutely love his style of...
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