Removed: A Novel

The Removed is a haunting novel by Brandon Hobson that explores the aftermath of a tragic police shooting and the fractured Echota family's journey to reckon with loss and injustice. The story blends Cherokee mythology and history, and the characters struggle with grief, Alzheimer's, and alienation. As the annual bonfire approaches, the boundaries between the living and the spirit world blur, and the family is forced to confront their past and present. The novel is a meditation on family, grief, home, and the power of stories to heal and regenerate.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 28 October 2021
\n Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc
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A Haunted Work, Full of Voices Old and New

This novel is a haunting exploration of loss and injustice, centered around a family's journey as they navigate the aftermath of a tragic incident. It delves into the complex dynamics of a fractured family, each member grappling with their own demons and struggles. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Cherokee mythology and history, adding depth and cultural significance to the narrative.

The journey of the Echota family's way home is a poignant and emotional one, filled with equal measures of melancholy and love. The family's pain is palpable, as they grapple with the loss of their son and the injustice he faced. However, amidst the darkness, there are moments of tenderness and resilience that showcase the strength of their bond.

Maria, the mother, is a fierce and determined woman who is struggling to cope with the onset of Alzheimer's in her husband, Ernest. Her love for him is unwavering, but she must also navigate the challenges of caring for someone with a debilitating disease. Meanwhile, their adult daughter, Sonja, leads a life of solitude, haunted by the memories of her past and her inability to connect with others. She is consumed by her romantic obsessions, which often lead her into dangerous situations.

Their son, Edgar, has fled home, seeking solace in drugs and alcohol. He has turned his back on his family and his culture, unable to face the pain and trauma of his past. However, as the bonfire approaches, Edgar begins to feel a strange connection to the spirit world, and he begins to question his own existence.

As the family gathers for the annual bonfire, Maria attempts to bring them together from their physical and emotional distances. However, as the night unfolds, strange things begin to happen. Maria and Ernest take in a foster child, who seems to have a miraculous effect on Ernest's mental fog. Sonja experiences vivid dreams and visions that connect her to her ancestors and the spirit world. And Edgar, who has been distant and disconnected, begins to open up and confront his past.

The bonfire becomes a symbolic event, marking both the Cherokee National Holiday and Ray-Ray's death. It is a moment of both celebration and introspection, as the family reflects on their past and their present. They confront the ghosts of their past, both literal and metaphorical, and they find ways to move forward and heal.

In the end, the novel leaves the reader with a sense of hope and healing. The Echota family has faced incredible adversity, but they have also found strength and resilience in each other. They have learned to confront their demons and to embrace their cultural heritage. And they have found a way to move forward, even in the face of tragedy.

A Haunted Work, Full of Voices Old and New is a powerful and moving novel that explores the complexities of family, loss, and injustice. It is a testament to the human spirit's ability to heal and to find hope in the darkest of times. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in exploring the human experience and the power of storytelling.

\n Weight: 224g\n
Dimension: 134 x 203 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780062997555\n \n