This novel is a deeply moving story about identity, belonging, and the struggle to define oneself in a world that refuses to embrace complexity. Ophelia believes she can simply rid herself of her Native American heritage, but reality proves far more challenging. As she searches for a place to belong, she encounters rejection, confusion, and silence, making her journey even more painful. Family, history, and society place impossible expectations on her, forcing her to navigate a world that does not fully accept who she is.

Antonio Michael Downing beautifully weaves history, myth, and identity, bringing Ophelia’s world to life in a way that feels both vivid and deeply personal. The people around her fail her in different ways, leaving her lost and alone, yet she never stops searching for herself. Through heartbreak and resilience, her story becomes a powerful reminder of how complex identity is and what it truly means to find where you belong.

Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

"Black Cherokee" by Antonio Michael Downing tells the story of a search for identity and belonging. The protagonist, Ophelia, is both Black and Native American, descending from the Cherokee freedmen—Black individuals who fought alongside the Cherokee and were accepted into their band.

The narrative begins with a young Ophelia being raised by her grandmother, a widow of the chief, who teaches her the traditions and values of the tribe. As she grows, Ophelia attends school and stays with relatives, where she navigates Christianity, a predominantly white educational environment, and other influences.

This coming-of-age story emphasizes themes of family, autonomy, resilience, and self-discovery during the 1990s and early 2000s in the South. These themes make the novel relatable to readers. I highly recommend it, especially for its portrayal of the Cherokee freedmen and its exploration of issues surrounding citizenship and identity.

A special thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing the ARC.