THE TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING NOVEL

WINNER OF 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

"A mesmerising Peckham love story" - i

"An affecting meditation on the migrant experience" - Guardian

"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

"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 book which is alert and enlivening, at once serious and a pleasure to read" - Literary 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

"A coming-of-age story set in London's Peckham and Ghana that follows Stephen's journey to manhood'" - The Sun - Your Tik Top summer reads