#the removed

[librifeminaequecano]

“An elder had once taught me not to be afraid of death because there is no death—there is only a change of worlds.”

—Brandon Hobson, THE REMOVED

[getreadinghomie]

What an unforgettable story told in 4 different perspectives. This story made me want to read more by Brandon, his writing is very encapsulating. 

The Removed delves into topics such as racism, police brutality, forgiveness, grief, and native traditions. Brandon leaves a lot up to the imagination in the end which especially made me love the book. 

I know that reading books can be a different experience for everyone and that is why I love this community so much! I have seen all different opinions of this book and I enjoy gaining different perspectives.

QOTD: What are you currently reading?

[smokefalls]

Title: The Removed Author: Brandon Hobson Expected Publication Date: February 2021 Publisher: Ecco Genre: fiction

The best way I could describe The Removed is a stretched out feeling of longing that lingers even after the book ends. The book switches perspectives between four characters: Maria (the mother), Sonja (the daughter), Edgar (one of two sons), and Tsala (an ancestor); all of whom reflected on various themes including life and death, one’s connection to the spirit world, and their position in the world (not only within the family and community, but also racially as Native).

Each character presented a unique perspective and different focus, though Hobson masterfully intertwines the four “stories” to be in dialogue with one another, particularly that of the Echota family (Maria, Sonja, and Edgar) and their grieving over the death of the older son, Ray-Ray, who was murdered by a policeman. The story itself is centered on the day leading up to the anniversary of Ray-Ray’s death, and the family’s attempt to bring everyone together again (geographically, and to some extent, temporally) for this moment. Between these three characters’ perspectives existed Tsala’s story, which was the shortest and set in the past, but also my favorite. He brought to light the horrors of the forced relocation of several Indigenous nations, including the Cherokee, and the violence they faced. However, it was the glimpses of beauty through Cherokee myth, spirits, and respect for nature that entranced me. And this care for one’s roots spilled into the other three’s lives, who make numerous references to the importance of nature, the spirit world, and their ancestors/family. Despite their various griefs and trauma, all four characters shared moments of beauty in their lives. Hobson presented tragedy, but also added tinges of beauty that complicated the meaning of life and death; not just for these characters, but also in general.

This book deliberately takes its time and encourages the reader to do so as well. Hobson writes with what felt like a wish for readers to pause and reflect on our position in the world through these characters’ emotions and experiences. It may be a slow read, but it’s a beautifully crafted one.

Content Warning: police shooting, death/dying, genocide, racism, cancer, violence, sexism

Note: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review from Ecco and NetGalley.