Books Amongst Friends's Reviews > Sky Full of Elephants

4.5 rounded up.
I don’t know if I’ll be able to really put into words the energy that this book contains. To state simply, this book could read as one of discovery, found family, and even adventure. But honestly, Sky Full of Elephants is so much more. After an unforeseen event in which white people have all drowned themselves, Sidney finds herself even more lost and unknown than she ever felt before. We then enter a journey of a once imprisoned man, now a Howard University professor named Charlie, as he ventures out for redemption and purpose after being contacted by Sidney, his biracial daughter, who only sees him as her last resort.

Sidney aches for what she’s lost, as her connection to whiteness has been gravely severed. Charlie craves a purpose outside of himself, and in Sidney, he sees both hope and pain. This book will definitely ruffle some feathers, but it’s a conversation that’s necessary. It’s not only a book of pride and resilience but also one of sacrifice and community. It presents the toll and weight of years of misinformation and lies on not only an individual, but on a culture, a people.

Sky Full of Elephants is a story that should be read by everyone. It will spark conversations that are hard to have. Campbell dissects so much of mixed identity and experience. Every character has such depth that makes them feel both firm and unique while yet so connected. And as a Black woman, reading about Sidney’s experiences and tone irritated me—intentionally so. I wanted to shake her and hold her. From her teen angst, disillusion, loss of identity—I was frustrated because we all know a Sidney. Though painful and hurtful, I grieved for her. I grieved her loss of self, her loss of security, her mistaken identity, and the shame that she’s carried. And through that grief, I was able to enjoy every moment of connection and pride Sidney discovered along the way.

While Charlie’s path at times felt a little more predictable, his passion and heart shone through. Campbell’s prose captivates and urges you to push forward. It’s one of grief, anger, understanding, and identity. It’s magnetic and powerful in every moment of vibrancy that Campbell has captured. The narrative and scenes are rich in culture, determination, and care. To say I loved this book down would be an understatement.

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and most of all Cebo Campbell. This met all my expectations.