Super Short Summary

Beautiful Losers by Leonard Cohen revolves around a love triangle involving the unnamed protagonist ("I"), his wife Edith, and his male lover F. The narrative explores themes of obsession, spirituality, and sexual liberation against the backdrop of 1960s Canada. "I" becomes obsessed with a 17th-century Mohawk woman, Catherine Tekakwitha, while coping with personal loss and betrayal. The story blurs past and present, weaving Catherine's history with the lives of the three lovers as they navigate spiritual and corporeal desires. The novel addresses complex issues including race, religion, politics, mental health, and sexual freedom. The book includes depictions of suicide, self-harm, and sexual abuse.