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Book Review: “Coexistence:Stories”
In a literary landscape where LGBTQI+ and BIPOC voices have long been marginalized, “Coexistence,” by Billy-Ray Belcourt, emerges as a refreshing addition, offering a compelling narrative that not only represents these communities but also delves into their nuanced experiences.

What works:
The author adeptly captures the essence of the LGBTQI+ experience, particularly the struggles of a gay man navigating intimacy and self-acceptance amidst societal pressures. Moreover, the exploration of BIPOC themes, including the enduring effects of racism and colonialism, adds a layer of depth and enlightenment for readers, regardless of their background.
The prose is masterfully crafted, with intricate character development that draws readers into the lives of the protagonists. Unlike many works in the LGBTQ genre, this book steers clear of stereotypes and gratuitous content, offering a serious and thought-provoking narrative.

What doesn't work:
While the book is structured as a series of interconnected short stories, the transitions between narratives can be jarring, leaving readers disoriented at times. Additionally, not all stories resonate equally, with some feeling overly technical or repetitive, particularly one that delves into poetry on a deep level.
The lack of resolution in each story may leave readers feeling unsatisfied, as narratives end abruptly without closure. Furthermore, the book's focus on intersectional issues may limit its appeal to a wider audience, particularly those outside the LGBTQI+ and BIPOC communities or those less inclined towards literary exploration.
Overall, "Coexistence" offers a compelling and necessary perspective on the experiences of LGBTQI+ and BIPOC individuals, albeit with some shortcomings in execution and accessibility. While it may not be universally appreciated, it undoubtedly serves as an important contribution to literature representing underrepresented voices.

Themes and trigger warnings: LGBTQ, BIPOC, struggles with sexuality, and acceptance, racism, guilt, colonization, systemic marginalization, graphic sexual situations, sexual violence.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am giving this book 3.5 out of five stars.

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I personally did not enjoy this title. It felt disjointed. A bunch of somewhat, but not really, connected short stories that were all unfinished. 3 stars

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Belcourt has quickly become a favorite of mine. Coexistence is marketed as a short story collection but the characters are intertwined, so it really reads more like a novella that just follows multiple characters. all 3 of Belcourt’s works that I’ve read follow similar characters (he seems to self insert a lot lol), but the writing is so good that it prevents it from becoming too repetitive, and he writes interesting, fleshed out characters despite it being a short length.

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a beautiful collection of short stories. belcourt really touches on the indigenous experience & every sentence evokes so much emotion. really amazing.

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