Black Cherokee tells the story of Ophelia—half Black, half Cherokee—raised by her grandmother (also named Ophelia) on the banks of the River Etsi. As a descendant of the Cherokee Freedmen, (Black people formerly enslaved by wealthy southern Cherokee) Ophelia struggles to understand her place in the world. Why is she accepted by some but not by others? How can she be seen as both “too Black” and “too Cherokee” at the same time?

This is one powerful coming-of-age story about identity and the search for belonging. We follow Ophelia through pivotal life changes: moving in with aunts she’s never met, suppressing her Native beliefs while dabbling in Christianity, discovering true friendship, and experiencing first love and heartbreak.

The most devastating moments come when we see her innocence chipped away again and again, watching her experience so many “firsts” while knowing, as readers, the disappointments that await simply because of the reality we live in.

Yet Ophelia Rivers is nothing if not resilient. She’s smart, funny, and unapologetically herself. Her story is shaped by the people and places around her (Grandma Rivers, you absolute badass). Ultimately, this is a story about family (in all its messy complexity), complicated history, healing, and perseverance.

I LOVED it. One of my favourite reads of the year. Black Cherokee is out on August 19th

Delighted to include this title in the August edition of Novel Encounters, my column highlighting the month’s most anticipated fiction for the Books section of Zoomer, Canada’s national lifestyle and culture magazine. (see column and mini-review at link)

Black Cherokee tells the story of Ophelia Blue Rivers, a girl who is, as her Grandma Blue identifies her, ‘half Black, half Cherokee and all mixed up.’ Ophelia is caught between cultures and trying to figure out who she is. She is raised by Grandma Blue in the town of Etsi (formerly a reservation) until she is moved by ‘the Singing Man’ to live with an Auntie in Stone River. The book spans her childhood through to becoming an adult. There are themes of colonization, racism, identity, belonging, and family.

Downing has found a way to write a deeply impactful book without the heaviness that typically accompanies such themes. I appreciate the storyline depiction of growing up mixed race while also including the historical impact of intergenerational trauma and ongoing racism. It’s a book one can think critically on and reflect while also enjoying the characters. I want to read a book on Grandma Blue’s story now.

Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster Canada and NetGalley for this e-arc.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Ophelia Blue Rivers is both Black and Cherokee, in South Carolina struggling to be seen as both and a whole person. Initially raised by her Grandma Blue, then sent to live with her Auntie Aiyanna, and eventually sent to her Auntie Belle's school for her senior year of high school, Ophelia has felt more struggle than one girl deserves. All she wants is to feel loved and like she has a family, whether by blood or not.

This is a coming of age story, and I didn't realize it was more character driven than plot driven, but there were still some important plot points. It was interesting, but not what I expected.

CW: racism and racial slurs, mentions of death, grief, abandonment, alcohol use, pregnancy

“You are a story, Ophelia. Don’t let them rewrite you.”

From the very first page, I felt like I was back in the rhythm of "Saga Boy," Antonio Michael Downing’s voice is so distinct, so lyrical, that reading Black Cherokee felt like returning to something sacred and familiar. And just like his memoir, this novel pulses with ancestral memory, cultural dislocation, and hard-won identity.

This book follows Ophelia Blue Rivers, a Black and Cherokee girl raised by her fierce Grandma Blue along the River Etsi, where magic, memory, and resistance live side by side. As Ophelia grows and moves through different communities, she’s always met with the same question: 'Where do you belong when you don’t fit neatly anywhere?'

It’s a tender, powerful coming-of-age story rooted in the tension between inheritance and individuality. While some storylines moved fast, the emotional undercurrent? Deep and resonant.

This book reminded me that our stories are not meant to be simplified. We are meant to be layered, legendary, and whole.

If you loved 'Saga Boy', or if you’re drawn to poetic fiction that honours culture, land, and lineage, Black Cherokee deserves a spot on your shelf.

Black Cherokee is a fantastic coming of age story about a girl caught between cultures, trying to figure out where she belongs. It's sad, hopeful, and also very entertaining.

It starts with 7 year old Ophelia living with her grandmother, Grandma Blue, and progresses until she's 18. It was wonderful to read about Ophelia growing into herself. She was such a well written, unforgettable character.

The book explores themes of poverty, race, the environment, religion, and more, yet it never feels too heavy or preachy. We're just along for the ride.

Downings writing is beautiful and descriptive but also very accessible. I finished this book in a day!

What I loved most was how this book explored a history and culture I had very little knowledge of. Seeing the world through a different lens is my favourite thing about reading.

I definitely recommend this book to everyone!

Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for the advanced copy through Netgalley!

This was fine and there are some interesting points to it.
I have not read much about the Black Cherokees so that was a bonus.

But, it felt a little sparse. Like there were details missing.
And it maybe tried to cover too much, over too much time.
I was left a little unsatisfied and feeling rushed.