In Universes A Novel
In Universes A Novel by Emet North, published by HarperCollins Publishers on April 29, 2025, is a 240-page work that delves into the complexities of identity and belonging through a unique narrative lens. The story follows Raffi, a queer physicist working in an observational cosmology lab, as they navigate their understanding of dark matter while grappling with personal relationships and the multiverse. The novel presents a blend of realism and science fiction, exploring themes of self-destruction and reconstruction across various parallel worlds.
Readers will find a meditation on the fluidity of gender and identity, as Raffi’s journey leads them to confront their feelings for Britt, a queer sculptor. As Raffi’s life begins to unravel, they escape into alternate realities, each reflecting different choices and possibilities. The narrative features imaginative elements, including surreal transformations and apocalyptic landscapes, while emphasizing the transgressive power of hope amidst despair. In Universes invites exploration of profound questions about existence and connection, making it a thought-provoking addition to contemporary literature.
Official synopsis Publisher
*Shortlisted for the Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize in Fiction*
NEW YORK TIMES’ 10 BEST SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY BOOKS OF THE YEAR
An Esquire and Literary Hub Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Book of the Year * An Autostraddle Best Queer Book of 2024 * A Best Pride Read by People and Brit + Co * A Parade Best New Book Release * A Best New Science Fiction Book by New Scientist * A Most Anticipated Book of 2024 by Tor.com, Bustle, Literary Hub, Autostraddle, Gizmodo, IGN, and Lilith Magazine * Winner of the Otherwise Award * Long-listed for the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award
For fans of Emily St. John Mandel and Kelly Link, a profoundly imaginative debut novel set in numerous universes, which follows a queer physicist’s search for belonging across time and space.
Raffi works in an observational cosmology lab, searching for dark matter and trying to hide how little they understand their own research. Every chance they get, they escape to see Britt, a queer sculptor who fascinates them for reasons they also can’t–or won’t–understand. As Raffi’s carefully constructed life begins to collapse, they become increasingly fixated on the multiverse and the idea that somewhere, there may be a universe where they mean as much to Britt as Britt does to them . . . and just like that, Raffi and Britt are thirteen years old, on the cusp of friendship, and maybe something more.
A meditation on self-destruction and reconstruction, In Universes is a mind-bending tour across parallel worlds, each an answer to the question of what Raffi’s life would be like if they had made slightly different choices. The universes grow increasingly strange as Raffi flees the ever-present specter of guilt: women fracture into hordes of animals; alien-possessed bears prowl apocalyptic landscapes. But across worlds, Raffi–with their sometimes-friends, sometimes-lovers Britt, Kay, and Graham–reaches for a life that feels authentically their own.
Blending realism with science fiction, In Universes explores the thirst for genius, the fluidity of gender and identity, and the pull of despair against the desire to lead a meaningful life, insisting on the transgressive power of hope even in the darkest of times.
“Baffingly good.” – Jordy Rosenberg, author of Confessions of the Fox
“A miracle of physics and art.” – Julia Phillips, author of Disappearing Earth
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