The ‘Open Water’ is about love of two black artists from similar backgrounds - he is a photographer and she is a dancer, and as they become lovers, they find themselves pushing beyond the limits of friendship into deeper and more open waters of an emotionally intense and intimate relationship.  Inevitably, he brings his own personal history, his scars, his fears and insecurities as well, and the repercussions ensue when the relationship ends and the lovers return to Dublin. I was very nervous while reading this book because this young man and woman seems destined, and might love each other forever but they could break down by the violence of cold reality. This book includes the dark side of racism in UK, such as the police brutality that happened to them, fragmentation and trauma of racism, and of constantly not being seen, only perceived as being the black other. 

 

Open Water is Caleb’s debut book. He contained everything into this not too long novel what he wanted to say, and it made a huge impact to me.  I fell in this book because I also experienced racism and know how important it is to discuss.  The author beautifully described racism and romance between two coloured people in the UK.