This poignant and evocative novel weaves together themes of grief, identity, and indigenous history with remarkable skill. Set against the backdrop of Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma, the plot follows the Echota family as they grapple with the aftermath of their son's death at the hands of police. Hobson's pacing is measured and deliberate, allowing the narrative to unfold with a quiet intensity that draws readers deeper into the lives of the characters. Through alternating perspectives and dreamlike sequences, the novel explores the complexities of loss and trauma, while also shedding light on the resilience and strength of indigenous communities.

Character development is a standout aspect of "The Removed," with each member of the Echota family coming to life with depth and nuance. As they navigate their individual paths of grief and healing, readers are given intimate glimpses into their inner struggles and desires. Hobson's portrayal of their interconnected relationships is both tender and raw, capturing the complexities of family dynamics with sensitivity and insight. Through their journeys, the novel explores the impact of generational trauma and the enduring power of love and resilience.

At its core, "The Removed" is a powerful exploration of indigenous history and its lasting effects on contemporary Native American communities. Hobson skillfully integrates Cherokee mythology and cultural traditions into the narrative, grounding the story in a rich tapestry of heritage and identity. Through the lens of the Echota family's experiences, the novel confronts issues of systemic oppression and marginalization, while also celebrating the strength and resilience of indigenous peoples. Ultimately, "The Removed" is a profound and thought-provoking read that offers a timely meditation on loss, memory, and the enduring legacy of colonialism.

Thanks to Netgalley and Ecco for the ARC. The removed is a multi-generational story that follows a Cherokee family dealing with the loss of their brother/son. The book was gripping and I appreciated what the author was trying to do with the integration of myths, but it didn't always work for me. Still, overall an interesting and readable book.

A dark and emotional tale that weaves Cherokee folklore through multiple characters to create a portrait of a family suffused with grief. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This won't be for everyone but It's an interesting read for fans of literary fiction.

I couldn't get through this title. It ended up not being for me, but I hope it finds a hope with other readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The fact that this was one of my most anticipated reads from 2021 and it turns out to be a book I wish I had DNFd...

I found multi generational, multi POV story to be too messy and not connected enough. I wanted more of Edgar's story because he seemed to be the only person in the family with any personality.

Nothing screams "I can't write women" more like a man making a woman's entire personality about her dead son and obsessing over a foster kid so much that she thinks his grandparents aren't good enough for him. Which is scary because there are so many indigenous children being taken from their families and placed with "well meaning" people.

What would've made this successful for me:

More Edgar. Less Maria. Rewrite of the magical disappearance of the Alzheimers, that was so random.

I really enjoyed reading this novel. It was an engaging family tale that seamlessly weaves Cherokee folklore into the narrative.

I appreciated the themes of this book, but I had trouble getting though it. It was a bit too dark and sad for me right now.

THE REMOVED • Brandon Hobson • Pub Date: February 02, 2021

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Caveat: While I did read the first couple chapters using my gifted eARC, the rest of the story was finished via audiobook, post-publishing date. The narration was GREAT, and likely impacted my rating for the better.

Abridged Goodreads Synopsis: In the fifteen years since their teenage son, Ray-Ray, was killed in a police shooting, the Echota family has been suspended in grief. The mother, Maria, increasingly struggles to manage the onset of Alzheimer’s in her husband. Their daughter, Sonja, leads a life of solitude, punctuated by spells of romantic obsession. And their son, Edgar, has turned to drugs. With the family’s annual bonfire approaching, Maria attempts to call the family together to honor Ray-Ray's memory as a family. But as the bonfire draws near, each of them feels a strange blurring of the boundary between normal life and the spirit world.

I wanted to love this book. Steeped in Cherokee folklore and history, while addressing themes of grief and trauma, I was ready to experience a powerful story that tugged at my heartstrings. Unfortunately, that was not my experience with this book.

While the story came together at the end, I often felt disconnected and muddled throughout the book. I never quite understood what was going on, leaving me lost or outright questioning what the "point" of a certain scene was instead of connecting with the characters and immersing myself in what was happening. The writing itself was also plain/noticeably simple, especially given the opportunity for rich description given the content of the story. There were also a LOT of plot holes, ranging from small to impossible to ignore.

What also fell short for me was the author's attention (or lack thereof) to Ray-Ray's death. The prologue opens with Ray-Ray's final moments with his family before the author then skims over that Ray-Ray is shot and killed by a police officer. Ray-Ray's death hangs over our characters the entire book, yet his cause of death has almost no bearing until it's final scenes.

What made the biggest impact on me was Wyatt's pieces of the story. If not for his sunny disposition, and the touching moments between him and his temporary foster parents, my rating would have been different. And while I certainly took issue with several components of Sonja's story, I was still curious enough to read on, if only to find out how that entire arc would play out.

TL;DR: This book felt read like an unfinished draft that could have been promising with more revisions, but ultimately fell short as it was published.

Tried reading this one and it just was not meant for me at the time. This does not mean that it is not a good book, I just was not in the right place to be reading it and have decided to not try picking it up anytime in the near future.

There was so much emotion that still lingered, 15 years after his passing. From Ray-Ray’s Dad with Alzheimer’s to the brother who turns to drugs, and a Mother who is battling anxiety and depression in the aftermath, and I could feel their sadness and coping mechanisms as they battle their own demons.

The way Brandon Hobson weaved Cherokee myths and stories throughout this book was really interesting and compelling. This book was positively haunting.

I've never read Hobson before, but when I cataloged this book something about the summary really spoke to me.

The Echota family, a Cherokee family, are dealing with their grief of losing a son and other battles they are facing. The son Ray-Ray was killed 15 years ago in a police shooting and while no one talks about it, their grief over it is still palpable. The father of the family is dealing with Alzheimer's. The son, Edgar, is battling an addiction with drugs while living apart from his family. And the daughter Sonja is a solitary figure who finds herself drawn to a library patron and his son. The whole family are getting ready to come together for a yearly celebration while battling these every day woes and unsure if they will be able to face their present without confronting the past.

Having never read Hobson before, I really want sure what to think. The mixture of fantasy/myth and reality was something to take in at times. You had to stay on your toes and make sure you had a firm hold on the real world and what was happening. I think the use of it was well done.

The subject matter of this book in general wasn't easy. Grief was so prevalent through it all. But I think that's something that many readers can tap into. I've never lost a sibling, but Sonja's loneliness and the Alzheimer's that the father was going through are both things I have personal experience with in my family. In my own way, I could read those experiences and see in my own lens how it would feel and relate to them.

Overall, I struggled with this a little, but I do think the story is one worth reading.

Thank for you the ARC.

A beautifully written book on a family and grief, linked throughout the novel with Cherokee myths and stories. My first Brandon Hobson novel, but I look forward to many more! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I really enjoyed the story which was well told and both heartbreaking and inspiring at times. However the shifting points of view did not quite work for me - just a preference. It's hard to do it well.

The Removed follows the Echota family, fifteen years after the devastating death of their son, Ray-Ray, who is shot by a white police officer for no good reason. Justice is never done, and they are forced to carry on in their new reality. Maria, his mother, probably finds the best way to cope, but she is understandably depressed. Sonja, his sister, is sexually reckless. Edgar, his brother, is addicted to meth. The father, Ernest, is only part there, suffering from advancing Alzheimer's.

While the book was compelling enough to keep me reading, and written in such a way that you can advance quickly, I found it didn't quite work for me on several levels.

The main one is the structure - each chapter shifts point of view between Maria, Edgar, Sonja, and their Cherokee ancestor Tsala. This is a tricky style, and I think it only works if the writer can create a distinct voice for each character, which I don't think he did here. Perhaps it's better on Audio? I heard it's read by a full cast which would help.

This is a beautifully written book about some pretty heavy themes. There is a lot of pain in this book, but also love and community. Definitely worth a read, and I look forward to Hobson's future work as well.

I am sorry for the inconvenience but I don’t have the time to read this anymore and have lost interest in the concept. I believe that it would benefit your book more if I did not skim your book and write a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience.

This book was incredible, it was devastating and I couldn't put it down at the same time. Will def read again.

I have to apologize because I didn't read this in a timely manner. In fact, I actually purchased a copy after release and never got to the ARC you were so gracious to send me. With that said, I want to thank you for the opportunity for this advance read and tell you how very much I completely loved this book by Brandon Hobson. I'm not normally a literary fiction reader, much preferring more commercial fiction,. But Hobson has such a unique way with words I can't help but be drawn in and love his writing.

Below is the review I am posting on Goodreads, Amazon, Bookbub, and other outlets:

Hobson has a way with words that he draws the reader in, making them want to turn the page even if they aren't sure why they're doing so in the moment.

I think what I loved most about this book was the inclusion of Native American culture and legend, both of which are familiar to me in a peripheral sense but foreign from a firsthand experience.

Absolutely beautiful writing and an engaging read. Definitely worthy of an unreserved 5-stars.

haunting and sureal. this book left me thinking about a lot, and had me questioning even more. definitely looking for more from this author.