Anthologies seem to be the name of the game recently. So I was more than thrilled when Martins DM’d me and asked if I wanted to review Keep Faith featuring stories exploring queerness and faith. I was absolutely gripped by the range of stories and experiences.
Summary
Keep faith, in the broad sense of the word. It doesn’t have to be a religion, unless you want it to be. It doesn’t have to speak about the universe, unless you want it to. It doesn’t have to be about anyone but yourself. Keep faith, in other planets and other houses; be it in the face of danger, grief, or while you spread your arms and laugh. Keep faith the same way you keep hope, bright and shiny, ever present. Keep faith in all your queer, beautiful self. Because you deserve it.
This is an anthology of 14 short stories, by 14 queer authors, where faith and queerness intersect. Incidental, purposeful, we-exist-and-that’s-why queerness. And faith meaning whatever you want it to mean.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Keep Faith is a fabulous anthology featuring stories from authors in all places on their career path. It features stories where queerness and faith can conflict and bloom. Whether it be fantastical, contemporary, or more, Keep Faith is a subtle anthology. With these stories, you are transported to new world. Into new experiences. In conflicts between faith and love, commitment and duty, our dreams and our community.
It’s about the courage to live in spite of those who can’t see the ways faith and love can live side by side. There are content warnings before stories, and in general an anthology full of love, bravery, and faith. I cannot more heartily recommend this anthology whether it features an author you admire or a new voice. I interviewed Martins earlier this month if you want to see more behind the scenes information.
Find Keep Faith on Goodreads and to buy on Gumroad.