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Under an African Sky: A Novel
SOUTH AFRICA, 1989. In a deeply divided country on the brink of change, two women from vastly different backgrounds share an unlikely friendship.
Sofia Levantis, a Greek-Cypriot immigrant, longs to keep her family close, but when her children want to leave South Africa, the future she’s imagined begins to slip away. Meanwhile, Grace Molepe, Sofia’s housekeeper and trusted friend, pins her hopes on her son’s education and a future where he’ll no longer be treated like a foreigner in his own country.
When their children’s lives become entangled in ways neither woman could foresee, the fallout threatens not only their dreams, but also the friendship on which they’ve come to rely. Into this turmoil, a priest from Sofia’s past arrives from a remote Greek monastery. His quiet presence steadies Grace, yet unsettles Sofia as long-buried secrets rise to the surface. But in this fractured world, where a nation and hearts are coming undone, can his prayers hold the pieces together, or will the past refuse to let go of the present?
Spanning a time of upheaval and transformation, Under an African Sky is a story about friendship, family, forgiveness, and the fragile, resilient threads that connect us, even as the world around us unravels.
Sofia Levantis, a Greek-Cypriot immigrant, longs to keep her family close, but when her children want to leave South Africa, the future she’s imagined begins to slip away. Meanwhile, Grace Molepe, Sofia’s housekeeper and trusted friend, pins her hopes on her son’s education and a future where he’ll no longer be treated like a foreigner in his own country.
When their children’s lives become entangled in ways neither woman could foresee, the fallout threatens not only their dreams, but also the friendship on which they’ve come to rely. Into this turmoil, a priest from Sofia’s past arrives from a remote Greek monastery. His quiet presence steadies Grace, yet unsettles Sofia as long-buried secrets rise to the surface. But in this fractured world, where a nation and hearts are coming undone, can his prayers hold the pieces together, or will the past refuse to let go of the present?
Spanning a time of upheaval and transformation, Under an African Sky is a story about friendship, family, forgiveness, and the fragile, resilient threads that connect us, even as the world around us unravels.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 15, 2026
First, let me say that I am not much of a novel reader as most of my reding is dedicated to spiritual or theological writings, but this book captured my imagination and quickly had me invested in the lives of Sophia and Grace.
You know a book is really good when the characters become so real and you can feel and share in all their emotions. "Under and African Sky" does exactly this. I felt myself transported back in time as I remembered the uncertainty, fear and anxiety of the early 90's in South Africa, but I fondly remembered the hope we all share in a better tomorrow.
Here is my favorite quote from the book... The words of Father Theo... "There's no perfect paradise anywhere here on earth. We're all foreigners here. Wherever we go, it makes no difference. We're always going to be restless. Even in our own countries sometimes, we feel as if we don't belong. Our purpose here on earth is to walk each other home, and by that I mean our true home."
What beautiful words to reflect on... We may often question why God has led as to a new city or a new country or why He has planned that you stay exactly where you are. What is your purpose? Why? The answer may just be as simple as you are destined to walk someone home.
Thank you, Elene Catrakilis, for this reminder!
You know a book is really good when the characters become so real and you can feel and share in all their emotions. "Under and African Sky" does exactly this. I felt myself transported back in time as I remembered the uncertainty, fear and anxiety of the early 90's in South Africa, but I fondly remembered the hope we all share in a better tomorrow.
Here is my favorite quote from the book... The words of Father Theo... "There's no perfect paradise anywhere here on earth. We're all foreigners here. Wherever we go, it makes no difference. We're always going to be restless. Even in our own countries sometimes, we feel as if we don't belong. Our purpose here on earth is to walk each other home, and by that I mean our true home."
What beautiful words to reflect on... We may often question why God has led as to a new city or a new country or why He has planned that you stay exactly where you are. What is your purpose? Why? The answer may just be as simple as you are destined to walk someone home.
Thank you, Elene Catrakilis, for this reminder!
May 3, 2026
Totally enjoyed this debut novel. The friendship between Sophia and Grace was very well written and you could realize what their feelings were toward each other. They had a true bond. Also enjoyed the explaining of Greek customs. It was a learning experience for me as I am of Greek decent. This novel does not disappoint and hope to read more by this author in the future.
April 15, 2026
First, let me say that I am not much of a novel reader as most of my reding is dedicated to spiritual or theological writings, but this book captured my imagination and quickly had me invested in the lives of Sophia and Grace.
You know a book is really good when the characters become so real and you can feel and share in all their emotions. "Under and African Sky" does exactly this. I felt myself transported back in time as I remembered the uncertainty, fear and anxiety of the early 90's in South Africa, but I fondly remembered the hope we all share in a better tomorrow.
Here is my favorite quote from the book... The words of Father Theo... "There's no perfect paradise anywhere here on earth. We're all foreigners here. Wherever we go, it makes no difference. We're always going to be restless. Even in our own countries sometimes, we feel as if we don't belong. Our purpose here on earth is to walk each other home, and by that I mean our true home."
What beautiful words to reflect on... We may often question why God has led as to a new city or a new country or why He has planned that you stay exactly where you are. What is your purpose? Why? The answer may just be as simple as you are destined to walk someone home.
Thank you, Elene Catrakilis, for this reminder!
You know a book is really good when the characters become so real and you can feel and share in all their emotions. "Under and African Sky" does exactly this. I felt myself transported back in time as I remembered the uncertainty, fear and anxiety of the early 90's in South Africa, but I fondly remembered the hope we all share in a better tomorrow.
Here is my favorite quote from the book... The words of Father Theo... "There's no perfect paradise anywhere here on earth. We're all foreigners here. Wherever we go, it makes no difference. We're always going to be restless. Even in our own countries sometimes, we feel as if we don't belong. Our purpose here on earth is to walk each other home, and by that I mean our true home."
What beautiful words to reflect on... We may often question why God has led as to a new city or a new country or why He has planned that you stay exactly where you are. What is your purpose? Why? The answer may just be as simple as you are destined to walk someone home.
Thank you, Elene Catrakilis, for this reminder!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews