Book Review: Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
When I first stumbled across Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson, I was captivated by the sheer beauty of the cover and the promise of profound intimacy within its pages. A slim gem, less than 150 pages long, it felt like the perfect escape into the hearts and minds of its characters. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a journey that would resonate with me on both emotional and intellectual levels, stirring thoughts about love, identity, and the intricacies of human connection.
The story unfolds in an exquisitely crafted second-person narrative, pulling you in while simultaneously creating a sense of distance—like being observed from the shore while you wander through deeper waters. Nelson’s language is both simple and sagacious, offering a profundity that left me in awe. His lyrical prose dances vividly through themes of love and loss, race and belonging, making the characters’ struggles not just theirs, but universal. I found myself aching with their pain and understanding their fears, despite the stark differences in our experiences; it was a testament to the book’s power to bridge gaps of identity and emotion.
One passage that struck me profoundly discusses vulnerability: “You are scared. You have been fearful of this spillage. You have been worried of being torn.” This feeling of apprehension towards emotional openness is something I believe we can all relate to, making it all the more impactful. Such honesty in writing paved the way for deep moments of introspection that left me reflecting on my own life—how I sometimes hesitate to embrace my vulnerabilities.
The pacing is deftly handled; each moment lingers long enough for us to truly grasp its weight, but never overstays its welcome. The relationship dynamics, particularly the push and pull of love and distance, are painted with such intricate detail. A scene where the protagonist watches a loved one depart encapsulates the essence of fleeting connections and the beauty of longing, capturing that moment where time seems suspended—a universal experience that resonates deeply within all of us.
It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite line; Nelson’s prose is filled with gems. One moment that lingered was when he writes, “Nothing is more durable than a feeling.” It encapsulates the essence of human relationships—the way we carry our emotions with us, shaping our lives even in their most fragmented forms.
Reflecting on the culmination of my reading experience, I found myself at 2 AM, closing my Kindle with soundless tears streaming down my face, feeling an overwhelming mix of sadness, love, and the haunting complexity of existence. I realized how the stories we share, even in their pain, forge connections that bring us closer together.
Open Water is a book I would recommend to anyone—whether you’re wrestling with your own identity, yearning for connection, or simply appreciate beautifully written prose. It speaks to the heart of what it means to be human in an interconnected world, leaving an indelible mark on anyone willing to dive into its depths. This book touched me in ways I didn’t expect, and I am truly grateful for the experience. It earns a resounding five stars from me—an emotional testament to the power of literature.
Thank you, Caleb Azumah Nelson, for sharing such a vital piece of your soul.