An offensive article on many levels.  The use of the lynching metaphor combined with the concept that the black American president did not have a black American experience because his father was not descended from slaves is actually disgusting.  

Boyden has identified as an aboriginal author, has written acclaimed novels based on that identity. If he is not aboriginal he doesn't get to claim he is.  This case is no different that the Midwest middle aged male American poet pretending to be a young Asian woman in order to get his work published.  

This isn't about identity politics or a backlash against a novel.  It is about lying about who you are to get an advantage.  If Boyden has lied he deserves to be taken down for it.