The Devil Is A Southpaw: A Novel of Twisted Narratives and Social Commentary

Brandon Hobson's latest novel, "The Devil Is A Southpaw," is a complex and layered exploration of the intersection of art, identity, and trauma. The book follows the story of Milton Muleborn, a novelist who writes about his childhood rival, Matthew Echota, a young Cherokee artist struggling with his own demons. The novel is a meta-narrative that delves into the blurred lines between reality and fiction, inviting readers to question the reliability of the narrator.

Key Takeaways:

• The novel is a complex exploration of the intersection of art, identity, and trauma, drawing from Hobson's own experiences working in a juvenile facility.
• The protagonist, Milton, is an unreliable narrator who uses complex language and poetic descriptions to convey his emotions and inner turmoil.
• The novel is set in Oklahoma, a place that Hobson describes as having a "strange" and "forbidding" landscape, which he aims to convey through the use of vivid descriptions of the storms and desolate terrain.
• The character of Brandon H., a minor character in the novel, is revealed to be a possible doppelganger of the author himself, adding layers to the narrative and blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
• The novel explores the themes of identity, trauma, and the power of language, highlighting the importance of creating art that challenges the reader and addresses complex questions.

Statistics:

• The novel is set in a juvenile facility in Oklahoma in 1988.
• Hobson spent time working in a juvenile facility, which informed his writing of the novel's setting and themes.
• The novel features a cast of characters, including Matthew Echota, a young Cherokee artist, and Brandon H., a minor character who may be a doppelganger of the author.

Sources:

- "The Devil Is A Southpaw" (novel by Brandon Hobson)

- Interview with Scott Simon on NPR's Weekend Edition (July 2023)

- Brandon Hobson's biography on New Mexico State University's website