Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Under an African Sky by Elene Catrakilis is a powerful, sweeping novel set on the edge of monumental change in South Africa. After decades of apartheid, the legendary revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela was set to be released from prison after twenty-seven years of captivity, and the country was on the verge of its first free and universal elections. In the white community, fear was apparent, with many thinking this would be the beginning of black reprisals. Sofia Levantis, a wealthy Greek-Cypriot immigrant, and her black maid, best friend, and confidante, Grace Molepe, are both mothers facing the changes happening around them. As South Africa prepares for change, both women face challenges and traumas as they try to keep their families together and stay true to their roots.

Under an African Sky perfectly captures the fear and elation that swept through South Africa as apartheid ended. Elene Catrakilis' characters, Sofia and Grace, perfectly illustrate the dilemma faced by normal South Africans as they navigate this new paradigm. Although the Levantis family was extremely liberal and Sofia and Grace were indeed best friends, there was always that underlying gap between them. I appreciated the common bond of motherhood between the two women and their determination to ensure their children did not suffer unduly by whatever the future might bring. The tight-knit Greek-Cypriot community, uniquely bound by their shared faith and a strong insistence on preserving their traditions, is emblematic of immigrant communities everywhere and reminds us of the importance of immigrants retaining their heritage and culture. I loved the conflict and doubt that Father Theo's arrival brought. This added greatly to the tension and drama, and along with the focus on the children’s future, reminds us that parents also face challenges and temptations. This is a well-written novel that presents moral and spiritual dilemmas at every turn. It will have readers smiling and nodding their heads as well as shedding the odd tear at the waste of human potential in the years of apartheid and segregation. I enjoyed this read immensely and highly recommend it.