The Removed

The Removed follows the Cherokee Echota family in Oklahoma as they approach the anniversary of their son Ray-Ray's death, who was killed by police fifteen years ago. Each family member narrates their own section: mother Maria, father Ernest who has Alzheimer's, daughter Sonja, and son Edgar. The story takes place during the days leading up to a family bonfire marking both Ray-Ray's death and the Cherokee National Holiday. As the event approaches, strange occurrences begin to affect each family member, blending their present reality with Cherokee folklore and mythology. The family's individual struggles become intertwined with the ancestral trauma of the Trail of Tears and traditional Cherokee stories. Their experiences connect across time, mixing memory and myth while grappling with loss, identity, and healing. This novel explores how historical displacement and present-day violence against Native Americans ripple through generations. Through its mix of realism and supernatural elements, the story examines the ways trauma and tradition bind a family and a people together.

Readers describe The Removed as a haunting blend of Cherokee folklore and contemporary family drama. The book resonates with those interested in indigenous perspectives and intergenerational trauma. Readers appreciated: - The weaving of traditional stories with modern narrative - The portrayal of grief and memory - The authentic representation of Cherokee culture - The lyrical, dreamlike writing style Common criticisms: - Slow pacing, especially in middle sections - Confusing transitions between reality and supernatural elements - Character perspectives that feel disconnected - Unclear resolution One reader noted: "The mythological sections lost me completely," while another praised how "the spiritual and physical worlds blur in meaningful ways." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (850+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (200+ ratings) The book earned stronger reviews from readers familiar with Native American literature and those who connect with experimental narrative styles.

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🌟 Brandon Hobson is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and drew heavily from Cherokee mythology and tradition to craft the novel's supernatural elements 🎭 The book's structure mirrors the Cherokee Medicine Wheel, with four distinct narratives representing different directions and elements 📚 The novel was inspired by the real-life shooting of John T. Williams, a Native American woodcarver, by Seattle police in 2010 🏆 The Removed was selected as one of NPR's Best Books of 2021 and was a finalist for the Reading the West Book Award 🌿 The character of Tsala is based on stories of Cherokee ancestors who refused to walk the Trail of Tears and chose death over forced relocation, connecting historical trauma to present-day experiences