Small World by Jonathan Evison is a chronological novel set in the United States of America between the 19th and 21st centuries focusing on the themes of immigration, slavery, racism, American developments, and ancient social injustices. The novel's tone is sanguine because the four generational families discussed are hopeful for a better future. The major conflict in the novel is that the minority groups continue struggling in the land perceived as having endless opportunities due to social injustices and racism.
The author develops the theme of immigration when he details the histories of the four main characters and their family trees. Immigration to the United States of America started in the early centuries. Some people were brought into America as slaves, while others, like Water Bergen and his descendants, migrated to America to search for better opportunities. Upon arriving in the United States of America, Bergen settles in New York, but life differs from what he had predicted. For instance, opportunities are scarce, and priority is given to white Americans.
The theme of slavery emerges in the novel when the author discusses the history of minority groups in America. Most minority groups were taken to America from West Africa to work in plantations. The enslaved people were unfairly treated because their basic rights were violated. The author also discusses the deep-rooted social injustices that majorly affect minority groups in the United States of America. During the gold rush in California, Luyus' descendants were displaced from their homes and never compensated.
The major symbolism of American development in the novel is the completion of the Transcontinental Rail and gold discovery, which represent the modernization of America. Besides the evils of slavery, social injustices, and systematic racism, the author shows that the American Dream has been a long journey based on the foundation of the founding fathers.
