The Removed is a novel by Brandon Hobson. The novel follows the Echota family, who are Cherokee. Fifteen years ago, Ray-Ray Echota was killed by a police officer at age 15. Ray-Ray’s siblings and parents still struggle with the emotional devastation of his death. Ray-Ray’s brother Edgar is 21 years old and is addicted to methamphetamine. Ray-Ray’s sister Sonja is 31 years old and attempts to form a relationship with a potentially dangerous man. Ray-Ray’s parents struggle with old age, and they agree to temporarily foster a child. The novel explores themes of family, history, violence, grief, and memory.
