Book Review: Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell

Book Review: Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell

Written by: Q. Gypsee Hunter
Genre: Fiction | Contemporary | Magical Realism

What happens when the world flips on its head, and you’re left standing in the wreckage, trying to figure out who the hell you are? Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell is a lyrical, gut-punch of a novel that forces you to sit with race, identity, and generational trauma in ways you probably weren’t ready for—but that’s exactly why it works.

The story follows Charlie Brunton and his estranged daughter, Sidney, navigating a world where white people have vanished overnight. But let’s be real—this book ain’t about the disappearance. It’s about the aftermath, the reckoning, and the deeply personal mess of figuring out what comes next. Sidney is lost in every sense of the word—abandoned, disconnected, and drowning in an identity she’s spent years avoiding. Meanwhile, Charlie is rebuilding a life that was stolen from him, carrying the weight of injustice and regret.

Campbell’s writing is poetry in motion, flipping between sharp social commentary and deeply personal introspection. One of the most gripping moments? Sidney confronting her aunt in the South. That scene hit different—it wasn’t just family drama; it was self-actualization, breaking generational cycles, and realizing that healing doesn’t just happen—it’s a choice.

Now, let’s talk flow. The book leans hard into introspection, which means the pacing slows in places, especially when the characters are caught in their own heads. Some moments could’ve been tighter, and I wanted more depth from the supporting characters—their stories felt important but weren’t fully explored. And while the world-building was thought-provoking, I had questions about what was happening beyond Charlie and Sidney’s journey. A wider lens on this transformed world could have added even more weight to the novel’s impact.

That said, Sky Full of Elephants is the kind of book that lingers. It’s not here to entertain—it’s here to unsettle you, to make you think, feel, and wrestle with the weight of its message. If you’re into character-driven, poetic, thought-provoking reads that hit you in the chest, pick this one up. Just be warned—it’s gonna stay with you.

⭐ 4.5/5

Have you read Sky Full of Elephants? 

What are your thoughts on the way Campbell explores identity and loss?

Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your take!"