The Birthright of Sons: Stories - Hardcover

by Jefferey Spivey (Author)

The Birthright of Sons is a collection of stories
centered around the experiences of marginalized people, namely Black and LGBTQ+
men. Although the stories borrow elements from various genres (horror,
suspense, romance, magical realism, etc.), they are linked by an exploration of
identity and the ways personhood is shaped through interactions with the
people, places, and belief systems around us.

Underpinning the project is
a core tenet: self-definition is fluid, but conflict arises because society
often fails to keep pace with personal evolution. In each of these stories, the
protagonists grapple with their understanding of who they are, who and how they
love, and what is ultimately most important to them. In almost every case,
however, the quest to know or protect oneself is challenged by an external
force, resulting in violence, crisis, or confusion, among other outcomes.

The Birthright of Sons colors in "the other" as
three-dimensional by highlighting the unique obstacles that marginalized people
face while simultaneously centering their humanity and unearthing universal
struggles and commonalities. Be it experiencing a sexual awakening, contemplating
the cumulative effects of racial tension in the workplace, or searching
desperately for a moment of peace in the attention economy, the collection
amplifies underrepresented voices in a playful and contemporary way, elevating,
critiquing, and confronting its characters.