About the Book
When the Universe Pivots is a sweeping, multigenerational tale that bridges two continents and two centuries, exploring love, loss, and the enduring ties of heritage. Perfect for lovers of cultural and historical fiction, and readers drawn to stories of Africa and its diaspora, Naomi L. Shank’s When the Universe Pivots is a lyrical, deeply human story of memory and resilience.
Book Reviews
“When the Universe Pivots will grab you instantly, expand your understanding and appreciation of Seereer culture, and leave you feeling love for and a personal connection to this community. Naomi holds this subject material with such respect, attention, and care, you can’t help but be drawn into the story and reflect long after turning the last page on the depths of human connection.”
—Jo Anne Yeager Sallah, Country Director for international development organizations in Senegal and The Gambia
“Through an animating and captivating tale that takes the reader on a modern-day journey to Senegal and explores the richness and beauty of its peoples and cultures, Naomi L. Shank has crafted a thought-provoking exposition on the enduring societal links between Africa and America.”
—Ibrahima Seck, Director of Research, The Whitney Plantation
“A wonderful cross-cultural tale of the ties that bind us across time, continents, and kinship, When the Universe Pivots transports us from 19th century Louisiana to modern-day Senegal and back to the United States. In the process, we are drawn into a multi-layered story of love, intrigue, and family that is at once instructive and emotional. From fascinating insights into the culture of the Seereer people of Senegambia to harrowing perspectives on international corporate excess and social commentary on race and belonging, Naomi L. Shank takes the reader on a riveting, page-turning journey.”
—Cheryl Gregory Faye, former Country Director of Peace Corps Senegal and former Country Representative of UNICEF The Gambia
“When the Universe Pivots brings extraordinary intimacy and clarity to a history too often flattened or abstracted…What makes this novel so compelling is not only its historical reach, but its emotional resonance. By grounding sweeping histories in family stories, personal reckonings, and moments of mystery, Shank invites readers to sit with the complexity of belonging—across time and space.”
—Andrew Wilson, Director of Volunteer Intercultural Engagement and Support, International Development Organization
“Naomi L. Shank has written a rich and compelling story that explores empathy of the human heart, love and friendship across cultures…I simply did not want to close When the Universe Pivots.”
—Ousmane Sene, Director, West Africa Research Center