RaveINewsThere is great power in being seen, and in Caleb Azumah Nelson’s mesmerising debut novel, being acknowledged, reflected and understood is a revelation. This is an emotionally intelligent and tender tale of first love which examines, with great depth and attention, the intersections of creativity and vulnerability in London – where inhabiting a black body can affect how one is perceived and treated ... The reader is woven into the intimacy of the narrative told in the second person. Azumah Nelson’s lyrical prose takes us into the male protagonist’s mind as he makes sense of these new feelings. Cracks of light appear when he allows himself to be emotionally open. He finds it difficult to explain the shadows that follow him. When he shuts down, and shuts her out, the aftershocks of cumulative trauma are apparent ... Thankfully, Azumah Nelson has told this tale of art, love and black identity. And what a gift it is.
