Small Worlds

By: Caleb Azumah Nelson

Narrated by: Caleb Azumah Nelson

Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Set over the course of three summers, this novel follows Stephen, a first-generation Londoner born to Ghanaian immigrant parents, brother to Ray, and best friend to Adeline. On the cusp of big life changes, Stephen feels pressured to follow a certain path—a university degree, a move out of home—but when he decides instead to follow his first love, music, his world and family fracture in ways he didn’t foresee. Now Stephen must find a path and peace for himself: a space he can feel beautiful, a space he can feel free. Moving from London, England, to Accra, Ghana, and back again, Small Worlds is an exquisite and intimate new novel about the people and places we hold close, from one of the most “elegant, poetic” (CNN) and important voices of a generation.

©2023 Caleb Azumah Nelson (P)2023 Dreamscape Media

Beautifully written, lovely rhythm

I have nothing in common with this story but fell quickly into the flow and give of the poetry. Very nice. I will listen again.

I feel free when listening to him

Caleb Azumah Nelson has such a gift. A poetic and beautiful way of speaking that cannot be replicated. Within this book, he discusses many themes: family, love, intimacy, immigration, and many other complex emotions. I love his insight and perspective toward these topics and life in general. It was truly a pleasure to hear and I look forward to his next work.

A beautiful poetic experience

Loved this book, a story of youth and summer, love and immigration, fathers and mothers and sons. It is quiet, yet deeply moving.

I didn’t realize until the very end that the narrator was the author. No wonder the narrative flowed so smoothly. Highly recommended.

Emotional and Captivating

Beautifully written and engaging coming of adulthood story. I found the prose captivating as I read through Stehen's life from the age of seventeen to about twenty seven years of age. This is a very character driven plot with a single point of view of Stephen. His progression from his last year of high school into manhood and his relationships with family, friends, and lovers was simple but elegantly satisfying.

A Beautiful Memoir of an Ugly Experience

A Beautiful Memoir of an Ugly Experience

Caleb Azumah Nelson's account of life as an emigrant in Britain resonates deeply in 2023 America where racism continues to rage on despite centuries and numerous civil rights movements. Nelson writes without self-pity nor covering up the ugly truths.

The author does an excellent job of narrating this important book.

Brilliant

This book is an experience, a treasure. Poetry in prose. So beautifully, carefully, lovingly written.

Breathtaking

Breath-taking and breath-giving. Every page alive in that space between belonging and alienation, finding not the lowest but the highest common denominator. Focusing on the journey but not giving up on the destination. And, the music…

A Young King

I am in awe of the writing of this young king, Caleb Azumah Nelson. I was drawn into Kenneth' coming of age story. Caleb brilliantly tells his story through repetitive language and themes in an almost poetic prose. I was drawn into the keen insight into this young man's thoughts and feelings. I also read his debut novel, Open Water and enjoyed it as well. His heartfelt performance was equally enjoyable.

Astoundingly beautiful

The incredible writing, the cadence of the words, the turns of phrases, the insights into grief and music.
Beautifully narrated by the author, it is one of the best books I have listened to, and I’m going to buy it in print as well, so I can keep it on my shelf.

Trying a little too hard

A simple family story full of complicated interactions. But the author tried a bit too hard to be literary when simplicity would have been the better choice.