The Removed by Brandon Hobson - 3 stars

[Joy D]

The Removed by Brandon Hobson - 3 stars - My Review

Content includes: (view spoiler)[domestic violence, lots of sex scenes, violence against Native Americans, drug usage (hide spoiler)]

Set mostly in Oklahoma, this book tells the story of the Echota family and their Cherokee ancestors. Teenage son, Ray-Ray, was killed in a police shooting fifteen years ago. The family recognizes the anniversary of his death, and they are preparing for the annual bonfire. The storyline focuses on Ray-Ray’s mother, Maria, father, Ernest, sister, Sonja, and brother, Edgar. Maria and Sonja experience repercussions from their grief, and their stories take place in the real world. Ernest suffers from Alzheimer’s. Edgar is an addict. He takes drugs and finds himself in the Darkening World, a surreal world where he experiences bizarre events. Tsala is the voice of a long-dead ancestor who tells the story of the Trail of Tears.

It is a story of grief – both past and present. It explores the idea that forgiveness is not required in order to achieve healing. The concept of home is prominent. The Darkening World inserts an element of magical realism. It could be drug-induced or perhaps the character is among the dead. I felt the sister’s story was the weakest link – her motivations are unclear, and I am not sure she added much.

The author leaves the ending up to the reader to connect the stories to come up with an explanation. The reader’s reaction will likely depend on how effectively a satisfying conclusion can be conjured. I came up with something that worked for me.