Sky Full of Elephants

By: Cebo Campbell

Narrated by: Leon Nixon, Erin Ruth Walker, Janina Edwards

“Bold and imaginative.” —Tananarive Due
“This stunning allegory will spark much discussion.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A truly powerful and riveting story.” —Booklist

In a world without white people, what does it mean to be Black?

One day, a cataclysmic event occurs: all of the white people in America walk into the nearest body of water. A year later, Charlie Brunton is a Black man living in an entirely new world. Having served time in prison for a wrongful conviction, he’s now a professor of electric and solar power systems at Howard University when he receives a call from someone he wasn’t even sure existed: his daughter Sidney, a nineteen-year-old left behind by her white mother and step-family.

Traumatized by the event, and terrified of the outside world, Sidney has spent a year in isolation in Wisconsin. Desperate for help, she turns to the father she never met, a man she has always resented. Sidney and Charlie meet for the first time as they embark on a journey across a truly “post-racial” America in search for answers. But neither of them are prepared for this new world and how they see themselves in it.

Heading south toward what is now called the Kingdom of Alabama, everything Charlie and Sidney thought they knew about themselves, and the world, will be turned upside down. Brimming with heart and humor, Cebo Campbell’s astonishing debut novel is about the power of community and connection, about healing and self-actualization, and a reckoning with what it means to be Black in America, in both their world and ours.©2024 Cebo Campbell (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Outstanding

What makes this book particularly engaging is its exploration of what healing looks like for Black America when freed from the historical legacy of whiteness. Campbell doesn’t shy away from difficult questions, such as whether it’s justifiable to pursue healing that might harm others or whether this new world is truly “better.” For Black readers, this novel offers a reflection on both empowerment and the cost of enduring generational wounds, while for non-Black readers, it offers an unsettling but necessary reimagining of racial dynamics .

This speculative fiction isn’t merely about the absence of white people; it’s a profound meditation on what remains, what is built, and how communities recover from trauma. The novel challenges traditional narratives by centering Black voices and experiences, pushing readers to reflect on both historical and present-day realities in Black America. Sky Full of Elephants is a thought-provoking, conversation-starting book that demands to be read with an open mind and a readiness to engage with its complex themes

Ever wish that some folks would just disappear?

When stress hits, I find solace in the realms of fantasy books and films. These stories aren't just an escape; they've become my warm, protective blanket, especially after the tumultuous 2024 Presidential Election. In a world that can feel cold, heartless, and riddled with racism, immersing myself in imaginary worlds free from oppression is incredibly refreshing.

For those of you feeling overwhelmed by the state of our world, I can't recommend "Sky Full of Elephants" enough. While it won't solve our problems, stepping away from reality can be incredibly therapeutic. It's like hitting a reset button for your mind, allowing you to return to face challenges with renewed energy.

Remember, it's not about running away from our issues. Instead, it's about giving ourselves the mental break to continue fighting for a better world. So, pick up this book. Perhaps even the audio version (while I prefer to read books, I wanted someone to talk to me, and the calm voice of the main character did that). Allow yourself to be transported, if only for a little while. You might be surprised at how rejuvenated you feel afterward, ready to tackle the real world with fresh perspective and determination. #RestisResistance

Deep

This is my first time really listening to an entire book. And I have to say to is was very interesting.

A story for us.

This story soothed my soul. Almost everyone I know who is Black in America has pondered a version of this thought and to see it written so masterfully healed something in me. This story reveals so much truth about our collective existence and has a profound way of sharing it.

If this is a debut novel…

Needless to say I can’t wait to see what more Cebo Campbell has in store. This novel gave an honest perspective of what the Black experience would be like without our White counterparts, whether one agrees to see it as negative or positive.
Often times I felt I was watching a movie because scenes were so descriptive. I’d hoped the description of the characters were too. Unfortunately I did not find that to be the case, but the ability to relate to character is on point. As different as our race is in shades it is easy to connect to one or more of Campbell’s characters.
Bravo, Mr. Campbell, I look forward to reading more of your work.

A look into our collective souls

I loved the entire concept. The story telling was vibrant and I truly connected the duality.

Beautiful story

Must read I can’t wait to share this book with my daughter. It’s a beautiful concept

10 10 10

Well worth the purchase! Leaving a review it's that good. Great story great plot. It would make an excellent movie. Treat yo'self!!

Beautiful. inspiring. Hopeful

Beautifully written. Requires an examination of what I believe about life, money , family and , connection.

Well written

This is a book that must be read! It was so good! It was an eye opener. I love this historical aspect that I didn't even know about. It made me research history as well!