The following version of the book was used to create this study guide: Nelson, Caleb Azumah. Open Water. Grove Atlantic, New York, NY, 10104, 2021. Kindle AZW file. The novel was first printed through Penguin Random House UK in the United Kingdom.

A young Black man and a young Black woman lock eyes in a barbershop. The encounter is so intense that the barber stops his work to take note. The man is a photographer, and the woman is a dancer. When they encounter each other again at a party, the photographer asks for an introduction from his friend Samuel. He then learns that Samuel and the dancer are dating. A short time later, the dancer breaks up with Samuel. The friendship between the photographer and dancer grows. They quickly become best friends, and the relationship grows into romantic love.

The photographer's life as a Black man in London is fraught with danger. Police officers often stop Black men with very little cause, and those encounters become dangerous with little provocation. The Black man has had his share of these situations. He and other Black men are fully aware of the need to “play dead” on the ground when faced with armed policemen who are obviously afraid. The photographer's resentment and anger build as more instances of police brutality occur. In addition, violence in the street has become a daily threat.

The barbershop is the one place where the photographer feels the freedom to speak out, ask questions, and be himself. One day, he has a conversation with Leon, the barber. They talk about the freedom they feel when they visit Ghana. Just then, a young Black man named Daniel crashes through the barbershop window. The photographer and Daniel have met several times around town, sharing a connection through their shared experiences and love of music. Later, the photographer sees Daniel on the street. Daniel is moving to the rhythm of the music coming through his headphones. Just moments later, Daniel is dying on the street. The photographer holds his hand until Daniel is entirely still.

At home, the photographer wrecks his room. He cannot talk to the dancer, and she hates that he pushes her away. The photographer isolates himself for the next six months. When he finally emerges, his relationship with the dancer is over. However, they reconnect to share some thoughts and memories.