Thank you to the author and Simon and Schuster for the free eARC in exchange for my personal review.

*Black Cherokee* is a powerful, raw, and soul-stirring journey that left me deeply moved. Antonio Michael Downing weaves a story that is both personal and universal, blending themes of identity, heritage, and the struggle for self-acceptance in a way that resonates long after the last page.

The prose is vibrant and musical, almost like poetry in motion. Downing’s ability to craft sentences that cut to the core of human experience is nothing short of remarkable. The novel’s protagonist feels like someone you know—or perhaps someone you want to know better—with all their flaws, complexities, and triumphs. I found myself rooting for them even during their darkest moments.

What really sets *Black Cherokee* apart is its unflinching exploration of cultural identity and belonging. It’s a deeply emotional read, but it doesn’t wallow—it uplifts. That said, there were moments where the pacing felt slightly uneven, or where I wished for more context to fully grasp certain scenes. But these are minor critiques in an otherwise stunning novel.

This book won’t be for everyone—it’s introspective and asks readers to confront uncomfortable truths. But for those willing to engage, it’s a profoundly rewarding experience. A solid 4 stars from me—this is a novel that sings with heart, soul, and authenticity.

Overall I enjoyed the story. The first part of the book was the best and most interesting as we meet Ophelia Blue Rivers and her grandmother. Discovering their heritage, belief system, community, Cherokee way of life, and their community relationships. I especially enjoyed the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter.

As I reached the middle of the story it bogged down and moved slowly. There were prejudices and injustices along her life’s path. She frequently battles obstacles and always regains her footing. She has taken many life lessons with her from her grandmother’s childhood heritage teachings.

Her dad relocates her from her grandmother’s home, the only home she has ever known, and puts her in the care of an aunt that she has never met. Being half black and half Cherokee she is discriminated against from all sides. She was discriminated against at her grandmother’s house because she was part black even though her grandfather was a Cherokee Chief and respected leader in the community; at her aunts they discriminated because she was part Cherokee.

She’s a smart, respectful girl. Eventually she learns to stand up for who she is and what she wants in life. I gave this 3 star because although it was entertaining, I probably wouldn’t recommend it to a friend.

I received a free copy of Black Cherokee by Antonio Michael Downing from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Black Cherokee tells the story of a girl caught between multiple communities, only to face rejection from them all. Ophelia grapples with understanding why her family faces such widespread dislike—even from their own relatives. As she grows, she strives to meet others' expectations but repeatedly hears she isn't enough. Finally, she sheds these imposed standards and charts her own path. Ophelia's journey weaves through moments of heartbreak and triumph.

The history of the Cherokee Freedmen was entirely new to me, and this novel was an eye-opening experience. I deeply appreciate how Mr. Downing portrays the experience of Freedmen descendants through such beautiful prose.

Thank you to Netgalley for this arc. This is a short, but powerful story about a mixed race Black girl wanting to gain acceptance in a Cherokee Indian community.

This novel is a deeply moving story about identity, belonging, and the struggle to define oneself in a world that refuses to embrace complexity. Ophelia believes she can simply rid herself of her Native American heritage, but reality proves far more challenging. As she searches for a place to belong, she encounters rejection, confusion, and silence, making her journey even more painful. Family, history, and society place impossible expectations on her, forcing her to navigate a world that does not fully accept who she is.

Antonio Michael Downing beautifully weaves history, myth, and identity, bringing Ophelia’s world to life in a way that feels both vivid and deeply personal. The people around her fail her in different ways, leaving her lost and alone, yet she never stops searching for herself. Through heartbreak and resilience, her story becomes a powerful reminder of how complex identity is and what it truly means to find where you belong.

Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

"Black Cherokee" by Antonio Michael Downing tells the story of a search for identity and belonging. The protagonist, Ophelia, is both Black and Native American, descending from the Cherokee freedmen—Black individuals who fought alongside the Cherokee and were accepted into their band.

The narrative begins with a young Ophelia being raised by her grandmother, a widow of the chief, who teaches her the traditions and values of the tribe. As she grows, Ophelia attends school and stays with relatives, where she navigates Christianity, a predominantly white educational environment, and other influences.

This coming-of-age story emphasizes themes of family, autonomy, resilience, and self-discovery during the 1990s and early 2000s in the South. These themes make the novel relatable to readers. I highly recommend it, especially for its portrayal of the Cherokee freedmen and its exploration of issues surrounding citizenship and identity.

A special thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing the ARC.