Picture a Cherokee storyteller weaving tales of identity and resilience under the vast Oklahoma sky—meet Brandon Hobson! This acclaimed American author burst onto the literary scene with his novel Where the Dead Sit Talking, a 2018 National Book Award finalist that captured hearts with its raw, lyrical exploration of Native American life. Hobson’s work, steeped in his Cherokee heritage, blends haunting realism with universal themes, making him a vital voice in contemporary fiction.
With a Pushcart Prize under his belt and stories in prestigious outlets like McSweeney’s and The Paris Review Daily, Hobson crafts narratives that linger like a quiet melody. Let’s dive into his journey, from his Oklahoma roots to his genre-bending novels that challenge stereotypes and celebrate the human spirit.
The Making of Brandon Hobson
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Brandon Hobson grew up surrounded by the rich cultural tapestry of the Cherokee Nation, where he is an enrolled citizen. His early years were shaped by the stories of his heritage, including the painful history of the Trail of Tears, which later infused his writing with depth and authenticity. After earning a PhD in English from Oklahoma State University, Hobson spent seven years as a social worker, serving disadvantaged youth—an experience that profoundly influenced his empathetic portrayals of foster care and displacement. A pivotal class with novelist Stuart O’Nan in the 1990s sparked his passion for fiction, setting him on a path to becoming a celebrated writer.
Brandon Hobson’s Unforgettable Stories
Hobson’s breakout novel, Where the Dead Sit Talking (2018), is a haunting coming-of-age story set in 1980s rural Oklahoma. It follows Sequoyah, a 15-year-old Cherokee boy navigating foster care after his mother’s incarceration. Critics praised its “stunning narrative control” and lyrical prose, earning it a spot as a National Book Award finalist and the Reading the West Book Award. The novel’s exploration of trauma and identity resonates deeply, breaking stereotypes about Native youth.
In The Removed (2021), Hobson weaves Cherokee folklore with modern grief, following the Echota family as they grapple with their son’s death by police violence. The novel’s blend of myth and reality, described as “quietly devastating” by Tommy Orange, showcases Hobson’s ability to bridge the spiritual and physical worlds. His middle-grade debut, The Storyteller (2023), takes a lighter but equally poignant approach, following a Cherokee boy named Ziggy on a quest to uncover his mother’s disappearance, infused with Cherokee history and lore.
Hobson’s style is a masterclass in subtlety—his prose is spare yet evocative, often delving into themes of displacement, generational trauma, and the search for home. Whether through novellas like Deep Ellum (2014) or short stories in The Best American Short Stories, he creates characters who feel like old friends, scarred but resilient.
Why Brandon Hobson Matters
Brandon Hobson’s work is a beacon for Native American representation in literature, challenging Hollywood’s outdated stereotypes with modern, nuanced portraits of Cherokee life. His novels tackle heavy topics—police violence, addiction, and historical trauma—yet they brim with hope and humanity. As a professor at New Mexico State University and the Institute of American Indian Arts, Hobson inspires the next generation of writers, while his 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship cements his influence. His stories remind us that healing begins with understanding, making him a vital voice in American fiction.
- Born: Oklahoma, USA
- Key Works: Where the Dead Sit Talking, The Removed, The Storyteller
- Awards: Pushcart Prize, 2018 National Book Award Finalist, 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship
Ready to lose yourself in a world of Cherokee myths and heartfelt stories? Snag The Removed or Where the Dead Sit Talking and dive into Brandon Hobson’s lyrical universe!