I received a free copy of this book to review from Netgalley. What an amazing story. The characters are heartbreaking & for me, I got very involved in their individual stories. I could not put this book down.
Thank you for this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Removed is a close, personal view of grief and the long-lasting effects. Grief is portrayed as an experience that happens when a family loses a son and brother and also as an experience later generations later feel as the result of a devastation to their people.

This book isn't active or heavily plot based. Most of what affects the characters has already happened. The Removed pulls this technique off. We see the effects of grief, without needing the before action, and without the book getting boring.

Atmosphere is a major player in the book. As I read, I became wrapped in each individual's mood, and each POV character had a distinct voice and their sections a distinct atmosphere. Edgar's atmosphere is decidedly creepy and ominous. Maria's is full of pale hope and longing. Sonja's is desperate and tumultuous. Each POV is convincing and read real.

I'd recommend The Removed to anyone looking for a fresh, atmospheric portrayal of grief.

The Removed was an heartfelt and sorrowful look at a Cherokee family's experience with grief surrounding the 15th anniversary of the death of their young son and brother. Ray-Ray Echota was just a teenager when he was shot and killed by a white police officer and his surviving family members have dealt with their grief in their own ways since then. As the family plans a bonfire to remember Ray-Ray - and celebrate the Cherokee National Holiday - their current lives are explored through their shifting narrations.

I enjoyed the interspersed Cherokee stories, and the similar - yet different - ways that each narrator felt connected to their ancestors and their past. I also appreciated how similar grief is experienced across people despite so many other differences - age, history, nationality, circumstances of the loss, and the actions individuals take to manage those feelings. To see the shared struggle between people who were so different felt very real and heartbreaking. Overall thought, this felt unfinished to me. I wanted more - more connection to the characters, more connectedness to their stories as parts of a whole and more of how they moved past the moment they were leading up to. Many pieces of the story were mentioned, but not explored in too much depth, and it often felt like multiple separate stories - maybe that's a testament to the family situation in the story? - I just wish that their stories intersected more meaningfully and felt more complete. While I can appreciate that this isn't a "happy ending" kind of story, there were many pieces left unresolved that left me questioning how I felt towards the whole book. That being said there were many beautiful moments, a lot of thought provoking discussion points, and some well placed spiritual magic that make it worth the read.

I’m honestly not sure how to rate this book. I loved the premise of the story, but it just didn’t seem to carry over from concept to actuality. However, there were some parts of the book that were great. The way that the story addressed the effects of intergenerational trauma and incorporated it as a running theme throughout the book was done really well.

I’m not familiar with Indigenous history (beyond the basics) or culture, and have only recently started reading some literature written by Indigenous authors. I loved seeing Cherokee history and mythology incorporated into the story, although it didn’t always feel as though these were integrated seamlessly into the rest of the story.

While the story begins with a relevant and incredibly timely event, the unwarranted shooting of a young Cherokee boy by a racist cop, this seemed more for shock value, and played such a small role in the plot. Ray-Ray’s cause of death played such a small role in the story, and when it ultimately did pop up later in the book, it led to two ultimately unfulfilling confrontations.

The entire story just felt underdeveloped and unresolved. There was a sense that so much more could have come out of this book, but it just never made the leap. The characters had potential, but wound up being bland. Sonja could have been quite an intriguing character, but fell into an obsessive romantic fantasy with underpinnings of … other, which wound up having a completely unrewarding outcome for both Sonja and me, as the reader. Edgar’s chapters just ramble incessantly at the beginning, with a strange fixation on the word “fowl,” for some reason. His trip into the Darkening Land wasn’t ever really fully explained, and it took a strange detour into magical realism with dark undertones that made less and less sense as the book went on. Maria’s chapters made the most sense to me, but even those felt like there should have been more.

I felt the most connection to Maria, but overall, the book left me wondering about what actually happened. I devoured the book hoping for a sense of closure, but in the end, it wound up feeling … unfinished to me. I wasn’t expecting the book to have such overtones of magical realism, which isn’t a genre that I generally enjoy. So this could have contributed to my confusion about this book, but I’m still feeling confused and torn about this one. I think the idea was great, but it just didn’t really come through for me personally.

A moving story of a Native Cherokee family dealing with grief over their 15 year old son/brother who was shot and killed unjustly. The mother holds an annual bonfire to honor her son, but this year (fifteen years later), things are even more complicated. Her husband is fighting early Alzheimer’s and her other son drug usage. The plot focuses on the present incorporating spirits and Cherokee folklore.

I am neutral on my opinion about this book. It was not bad by any means. I felt like the characters weren’t fully developed and the story was a little hard to follow. I did like the premise of the book centered around Cherokee myths and history and the impact it had on the Echota family.

The Removed is a beautiful treatise on grief particularly in regard to the culture and traditions of the Cherokee nation. The Echota family has suffered a grievous loss and none of them have recovered. Each family member is coping in their own way. Most of these are not healthy ways. The chapters alternate between the family members as the anniversary of the death approaches. 

One of their stories is hopeful, another vengeful and one is just lost. They all have traditional Cherokee spiritual elements. I enjoyed each of their stories and perspectives on grief although Edgar's was quite challenging to understand at times.  We see the impact of the Trail of Tears displacement both through the current narrative and through the narrative of Tsala who lived through that time. There are beautiful tales and myths weaved throughout and although I'm not sure I always got where those fit in, I did enjoy reading them. In addition to the commentary on grief we see the impact systematic racism has had in relation to the actual death, access to health care, domestic violence, drugs and poverty.

I felt like I wanted a hundred more pages and some substance and consequences to come to a few of the characters but, that said, I was satisfied with the more interpretive ending. I flew through the book and barely wanted to put it down. I wanted a little more in Edgar and Wyatt's endings but I can surmise their fates.

Thanks to Netgalley for giving me access to this ARC for my honest review.

A powerful novel of family tragedy, set within the framework of the larger Cherokee national tragedy. Likewise, the family's healing and hope sits inside members' Native heritage. There are elements of magical realism, mythological "realism", spiritual realism, and psychological insights.

It's also a great piece of storytelling, alternating among 4 different and distinct first person narrators - each voice is a convincing human (or spirit). The characters, an assortment of lower-middle class and marginal folks, come across as real humans, sympathetic despite their failings.

One of the best books I've read in the last year - highly recommended.

The Removed
by Brandon Hobson

This is the story of a native American family whose 15 year old unarmed son is shot and killed by a policeman out of prejudice and fear. The story picks up 15 years later as the various family members are in disarray. Ernest, the father, is struggling with alzheimer's disease. Maria, his wife, is trying to care for him while also dealing with her own depression and her inability to forgive. Sonya, the sister, has her own issues to deal with, starting with her feelings of not having been a good sister to her dead brother, Ray-Ray, or her younger brother, Edgar. Finally there is the baby, Edgar, addicted to drugs and spiralling out of control.

Each year the whole family unites on the anniversary of Ray-Ray's death to light a bonfire and share memories of Ray-Ray. Into the mix this year comes Wyatt, a young boy Ernest and Maria are asked to foster temporarily.

There is also a parallel story line about Tsala and his wife and son, who were forced to walk the Trail of Tears with the Cherokee people. Many died and suffered terribly. This parallel story adds a layer of indian mysticism to the tail. The various parts of the story dovetail together at the end and make for a fascinating look at the spiritualism of native americans which helps them survive.

Not a good book at all, at least not for me. It relied too heavily on symbolism and Native American history/mythology with hardly any explanation about it. I read another review that said they would have gladly read an extra 25 pages only to have things clarified a little more, and I agree 100%. I also feel that the siblings' storylines were unfinished. All in all I'll be giving this author's next book a miss.

An interesting look at a broken Cherokee family in Oklahoma and what happens when the cause of what broke them finally begins to heal.

I largely believe Native American voices are missing from mainstream books, so I am really happy to see them getting more attention. After reading Betty towards the end of last year, I knew I wanted to continue reading books, not only written by Native American voices, but books that also incorporated Native American beliefs, customs, and mythology.

The synopsis for The Removed promised all of those things, but unfortunately, it totally fell flat for me. I went into it blind, so I think at least part of the problem was my misguided understanding of what the book was about. I was expecting a thriller, but more of a contemporary fiction + magical realism/mythology story.

I loved how Hobson explored the effects of grief on each of Ray-Ray’s family members. It looked different for each of them, and I was immeditately drawn to the reality of that situation. I also liked how Hobson created a dreamlike quality in his writing; I almost felt like I was in a fever dream for most of the story. Unfortunately, the rest of the book – character development, ease of reading, and the overall story – felt underdeveloped and left me wanting more. It was a valient effort considering this is Hobson’s debut, but it ended up being lackluster for me.

It’s been fifteen years since their teenage son Ray-Ray was killed in a police shooting and left an emptiness within the Echota family. Told from multiple POVs, Maria the mother, Sonja the older sister, Edgar the younger brother, and Tsala a Cherokee prophet; this is a story of grief and how it has shaped and consumed a family. Each of these POVs almost feel like separate stories. Tsala, shares with us Cherokee traditions and myths with the added view The Trail of Tears. Edgar has lived his life trying to live up to his brother’s memory. He’s a meth addict and his POV is trippy and slightly detached, as you would expect from an addict. Sonja, has regrets of not being able to protect her younger brother, but she’s stuck in a rut. Maria, Ray Ray’s mother, is a retired social worker who is now struggles with taking care of her aging husband as he battles Alzheimer’s.

Personally I would have preferred the whole book to be from Maria’s perspective. She’s the most likable character within the book and she eludes maternal protection and maturity. She cares for her family, even through her grief, while ensuring the education of them within the Cherokee culture. Her narration has the most direction. The other’s particularly Edgars are more atmospheric, less plot based, and more ambiguous natural. In Edgar’s POV we’re never quite sure if he’s in the ‘real world’ or in a drug induced hazed. I could have done with Sonja’s POV. Her actions and thoughts are heavily influenced by her guilt of not protecting Ray Ray and directors her attentions to others that she see’s Ray Ray in. Tsala, while extremely interesting gives the books more of a mythically feel. I know that it’s suppose to provide contact and historical facts in a poetic fashion, but it was such an abrupt change the first chapter Tsala appears, that it left me a bit confused.

I was so excited to read this book. I’ve really been diving into Native American writings lately and have loved books like Winter Counts , There There, and Only Good Indians. But The Removed just did not do it for me. I was left with so many questions. I’m a very plot driven reader and the lack of a firm goal really distracted me from the story. This is a book for those people who prefer atmospheric reads rather than plot driven reads.

I wanted to like this book but I just found myself frustrated.

The Removed comes out February 2, 2021. Have you read this book? What did you think. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof_books.

This one was not for me. It'd been on my list for a long time and I was excited to get to it, but in the end it definitely wasn't what I was hoping it would be. Thank you for the chance to read it - I know it will find it's audience!

When Kieren, his girl friend and his baby daughter return to his childhood home in Tasmania to help his mother deal with his father suffering from Alzheimer’s, he knows old memories of guilt will be dredged up, but he doesn’t realize how deeply they will impact him. When teens, his brother died trying to save him from drowning during a horrific storm. Kieren has always blamed himself. Years later, the death of a college art student brings memories to life again when the small community becomes involved. The audio version brings the tension and emotion to life.

Written by enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma Brandon Hobson, The Removed follows a family fifteen years after the loss of one of their own, Ray Ray, who was shot and killed by a police officer. There's a lot of folklore interwoven into this novel, which is probably why I did not enjoy it all that much - the line between realism and fantasy blurred often, and I was confused throughout the novel. I would have probably DNFed it later on had it not been short enough for me to finish.

Overall, I'm giving it 3 stars, because the story held my interest enough. I became invested in a lot of the characters - the foster child named Wyatt who seems to be Ray Ray incarnate, Ernest, the patriarch with Alzheimer's, Edgar, the brother with an addiction who is lost. I found myself confused about what time period the book takes place in - we know that Facebook and smartphones exist, but other elements make it feel like the book takes place in the 70's. But I think that the Riverdale-type feeling is effective in this story.

I'm glad to have read The Removed, because Indigenous voices are important and I like to diversify my reading. However, I think it's a tough read, and I'd be surprised if it rates over a 3.5 once it releases.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ecco and Brandon Hobson for providing me an ARC of this book to read before its release.

“Little brother... there are enough monsters in this world.”

This was definitely a unique book! I have never read a book that focused heavily on Cherokee folklore so that aspect was enlightening, albeit a bit confusing. But that is a personal issue, not a fault of the book! I think if I had been more familiar with the culture, I would have had a deeper understanding of the plot line and what exactly was being said. Also, during the sections from Edgar’s perspective, I definitely got some Leave the World Behind vibes. I enjoyed the ending of Edgar’s plot line, too. Overall, there were passages and pieces that really resonated with me but I think that holistically the book may have gone over my head.

“The Removed” is a beautiful story that weaves tradition, folklore, and magical realism. Brandon Hobson masterfully crafts this story of grief and how different people handle the weight of the emotion.

The story begins with the sudden and unjust death of Ray Ray, who was wrongfully shot during an altercation at the mall. The following story flashes forward 15 years to see how his family is coping with their loss. This plot tackles depression, obsession, and drug abuse as a few methods to numb the pain.

My favorite part of this book is the interspersed story from a Native American spirit. I think it can be tricky to catch on to the concept right away, but once the reader understands what’s going on, it’s breathtaking. This story doesn’t have this substantial dramatic ending where everything falls into place, and all the questions are answered, but I’m okay with that. We are seeing a vignette of this family and how their lives react to the anniversary of Ray Ray’sRay’s death. The story will continue after the pages have ended, and it is incredible to feel that unfold.

“The Removed” is literary fiction, and I would recommend it to those comfortable with the genre. Some of the book’s nuances are not plainly explained, and I think it takes a certain mindset to be ready for this novel. Whatever expectations you have for this book, let them go, and enjoy it.

Thank you, Brandon Hobson, Ecco Books, and NetGalley, for this advanced copy. You can find my review on Goodreads. On February 2, I will post my review on Amazon and a featured post on Instagram (@lyatslibrary).

One of three essentially dystopian novels read this week, THE REMOVED stands out from its roots in Cherokee tribal history, a past, if not entirely passed, and real apocalypse rather than an imaginary and future one. More substantial than mere entertainment, this was entirely my most substantial read of recent weeks. Thanks.

The Echota family, of Cherokee heritage, is trying to navigate modern American life while dealing with the continued prejudices and stereotypes existing in society. Maria and Ernest Echota had three children. One of their children, Ray-Ray, was shot and killed by a police officer in Quah, Oklahoma. The officer heard a gunshot and instinctively decided that it must have been the Indian who shot it. The police officer was cleared of wrongdoing, and the Echota family was left to deal with their grief. The shooting took place on September 6, which is the Cherokee National Holiday. It marks the anniversary of the 1839 signing of the Constitution of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. Starting on the tenth anniversary, the family marked Ray-Ray’s death and the Cherokee National Holiday with a family bonfire. Most of the story's action leads to the fifteenth anniversary when it is not clear whether Edgar, the younger son, will choose to attend the annual family bonfire. He has been struggling with drug addiction, and although the family had sponsored an intervention, he was in contact less frequently as the anniversary approached.

Brandon Hobson includes different characters’ points of view: Maria, Edgar, and Sonja (the oldest child of Maria and Ernest). We also hear the voice of Tsala, who is sharing traditional Cherokee stories and wisdom. Still, his stories' role relative to the family isn’t apparent until later in the story. Each character deals with Ray-Ray’s death differently, and each is profoundly bothered by it, especially because it represents such an injustice for the Cherokee people. Sonja seems obsessed with a much younger man named Vin, and when she finally meets him and spends time with him, she realizes that he has many undesirable traits. For one thing, he doesn’t realize how offensive his demand that Sonya “talk like an Indian” is. And he is physically abusive. Vin has a son named Luka, and Sonya sees Ray-Ray’s spirit in him.

Maria Echota is a retired social worker for the tribe, and she and Ernest decide to foster a young boy named Wyatt. Wyatt has many interests and personality traits that remind them of Ray-Ray. Although Edgar ends up getting involved with a friend who is looking to exploit him and his Cherokee heritage, he also has a vision that reminds him of Ray-Ray. So, the family members are coping by seeing that Ray-Ray’s spirit is alive in their world.

Hobson uses this compelling narrative to show how the human psyche reflects Cherokee beliefs. I am not an expert on Cherokee culture, but I know that there is a belief that there is a spiritual connection to many things. I think that the Cherokee see birds as symbols, messages, and omens. A fowl haunts Edgar. Since I read the Kindle version of the book, I searched and found that the fowl is mentioned 63 times. Edgar is the most troubled of the main characters and storytellers; the fowl continually reminds him that he is going astray, far from his family’s values. Included in the text is the idea that eagles are considered messengers in Cherokee mythology. There are numerous references to eagles and owls in the text, with the owl figuring into some of the book’s most touching passages. The owl seems to represent not only wisdom but also transitions, including the transition from life to death.

The book is beautifully written. Usually, when I know I have to write a review, I will take notes to remember what I want to say. I found myself so involved in the modern family drama that I didn’t stop to take many notes. Hobson includes themes and messages pertinent to all Americans, such as police violence, drug addiction, and mental illness. These themes and others could be any family’s story, not necessarily just a Cherokee family’s.

Additionally, the family connectedness, the mother’s concerns and worries about her children, and the siblings’ views about parental expectations are universal themes. However, interspersed in everyday life of sending text messages, ignoring them, and researching potential lovers on Google are interesting and disturbing reminders about how the American government sponsored the Removal of Indians. The Removed, a carefully chosen multi-layered title, emphasizes the Trail of Tears, which was part of a series of forced relocations of approximately 100,000 Native Americans between 1830 and 1850, also known as the Indian removal. The title also describes each character's condition: Maria's depression, Sonya's relationship choices, Ernest's Alzheimer's, and Edgar's drug addiction.

This author has achieved his goal of writing a general interest novel that includes essential messages about Native Americans. It is not didactic; it is engaging in the way of Louise Erdrich’s books. Its message also reminds me of Diaz’s In the Distance and Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon.
I received this book free from Netflix in exchange for an honest review.


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The title is a reference to the thousands of Native Americans impacted by The Trails of Tears. This atrocity (like so many others) continues to resonate through the years in the lives of the removed and in those who did the removing. A powerful look at how historical suffering doesn't just go away when the participants die. Recommended.