“The infinite universe lives within all of us. All our possibilities coexist in other dimensions—we just have to choose the one we’re living in.”
Finna by Nino Cipri is an imaginative and thought-provoking novella, blending sharp humor, emotional depth, and biting social commentary. This first installment in the LitenVerse series is a unique exploration of relationships, identity, and resilience, all wrapped in a science fiction adventure that traverses the multiverse. Amal El-Mohtar of NPR describes Finna as a “small story with a lot of heart” and praises its “smooth and seamless storytelling” that would translate well to a screenplay.
The novella begins in an all-too-familiar setting: a Swedish-style furniture megastore—an intentional nod to IKEA’s overwhelming labyrinthine design. But when a customer wanders through a portal to another dimension, employees Ava and Jules, who happen to be recent exes, are sent on a chaotic rescue mission. As much as Finna critiques capitalism and the monotony of low-wage work, it also delves into deeply personal themes of anxiety, choice, and the complexities of queer relationships. Autostraddle highlights the story’s nuanced balance, calling it “a nice unification of satire, identity, and possibility”.
Lens on Storyline Specs
The novella’s narrative structure is compact and fast-paced, yet Cipri masterfully weaves character development into the action. At just 90 pages, Finna avoids unnecessary exposition while keeping the reader engaged through surreal and often humorous settings. Ava and Jules navigate universes filled with carnivorous furniture and eerily polite doppelgänger salespeople, but the true heart of the story lies in their strained relationship.
Their journey forces them to confront unresolved feelings and examine why their relationship ended. Ava struggles with decision paralysis, constantly afraid of making the wrong choices, while Jules, confident and unapologetic, fights to assert their identity in a world that often demands justification. This dynamic tension is underscored by Goodreads readers, who describe the novella as “a rambunctious, touching story that blends all the horrors the multiverse has to offer with the everyday awfulness of low-wage work”.
The multiverse serves as more than just a clever sci-fi device; it’s a metaphor for the infinite possibilities within ourselves. Cipri’s multiverse theory suggests that each universe represents a life we could lead, challenging readers to consider what it means to live authentically in the “chosen” universe.
Lens on Big Ideas
Cipri’s novella is an incisive critique of modern capitalist systems, portrayed through the oppressive environment of the furniture megastore. As NPR notes, “Finna combines biting satire with heartfelt emotion” by juxtaposing absurdist humor against the stark realities of corporate greed. Yet, the novella is more than a critique—it’s a deeply personal exploration of queer identity and relationships.
Ava and Jules’s relationship is both a strength and a source of conflict. Ava embodies the fear of stagnation and indecision, while Jules challenges societal norms with unapologetic confidence. Together, their journey through the multiverse becomes a metaphor for navigating the complexities of identity and connection. Autostraddle emphasizes this, calling Finna “an exploration of queer relationships, capitalism, and accountability, woven with humor and heart”.
The novella also interrogates the concept of choice. Through their trials, Ava learns that living authentically isn’t about avoiding wrong decisions but embracing the possibilities within every choice. This idea resonates with readers navigating their own uncertainties and reinforces the novella’s central message: that resilience and connection can transcend the constraints of fear.
Lens on Time and Place
The setting of Finna cleverly satirizes the overwhelming consumer culture epitomized by IKEA-like megastores. The labyrinthine layout and the endless aisles of identical products mirror Ava and Jules’s sense of entrapment, both in their jobs and personal lives. Critics, including Amal El-Mohtar, have noted how Finna uses this setting to balance absurd humor with sharp critiques of capitalism.
Against this backdrop, the multiverse serves as a stark contrast—a chaotic, surreal expanse where infinite possibilities (and dangers) await. This juxtaposition between the monotony of the store and the boundless creativity of the multiverse underscores the novella’s themes of liberation and self-discovery.
Lens on You (Action and Impact)
Reading Finna was a deeply reflective experience. Like Ava, I’ve often struggled with decision-making and the fear of choosing the “wrong” path. Cipri’s story reminded me that uncertainty is a natural part of growth and that embracing it can lead to unexpected opportunities. As Goodreads reviewers aptly put it, Finna is “a story that blends labor and love, capitalism and accountability” while delivering a message that is both humorous and profound.
Who Should Read This
- Fans of science fiction with a quirky, indie-film vibe.
- Readers interested in themes of identity, anxiety, and resilience.
- LGBTQ+ readers seeking authentic representation.
- Lovers of short, impactful reads that balance humor with social critique.
Book Recommendations
- This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone – A poetic exploration of love across dimensions.
- All Systems Red by Martha Wells – A witty, character-driven novella featuring Murderbot, a relatable AI protagonist.
- The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson – A multiverse tale that dives deep into privilege, identity, and survival.
Closing Thoughts
Finna isn’t just an adventure through the multiverse; it’s a poignant exploration of identity, choice, and human connection. Nino Cipri blends humor, heart, and biting cultural critique to craft a story that resonates deeply while keeping you entertained. Whether you’re looking for a short, thought-provoking read or a story that captures the complexities of modern life with wit and charm, Finna delivers. Have you read Finna or another book that captured these themes? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments!
Originally posted: June 2022
Turn the page, take the trip—what new perspective awaits?
Category :
Finna by Nino Cipri: A Multiverse of Emotion and Identity
Finna by Nino Cipri is an imaginative and thought-provoking novella, blending sharp humor, emotional depth, and biting social commentary. This first installment in the LitenVerse series is a unique exploration of relationships, identity, and resilience, all wrapped in a science fiction adventure that traverses the multiverse. Amal El-Mohtar of NPR describes Finna as a “small story with a lot of heart” and praises its “smooth and seamless storytelling” that would translate well to a screenplay.
The novella begins in an all-too-familiar setting: a Swedish-style furniture megastore—an intentional nod to IKEA’s overwhelming labyrinthine design. But when a customer wanders through a portal to another dimension, employees Ava and Jules, who happen to be recent exes, are sent on a chaotic rescue mission. As much as Finna critiques capitalism and the monotony of low-wage work, it also delves into deeply personal themes of anxiety, choice, and the complexities of queer relationships. Autostraddle highlights the story’s nuanced balance, calling it “a nice unification of satire, identity, and possibility”.
Lens on Storyline Specs
The novella’s narrative structure is compact and fast-paced, yet Cipri masterfully weaves character development into the action. At just 90 pages, Finna avoids unnecessary exposition while keeping the reader engaged through surreal and often humorous settings. Ava and Jules navigate universes filled with carnivorous furniture and eerily polite doppelgänger salespeople, but the true heart of the story lies in their strained relationship.
Their journey forces them to confront unresolved feelings and examine why their relationship ended. Ava struggles with decision paralysis, constantly afraid of making the wrong choices, while Jules, confident and unapologetic, fights to assert their identity in a world that often demands justification. This dynamic tension is underscored by Goodreads readers, who describe the novella as “a rambunctious, touching story that blends all the horrors the multiverse has to offer with the everyday awfulness of low-wage work”.
The multiverse serves as more than just a clever sci-fi device; it’s a metaphor for the infinite possibilities within ourselves. Cipri’s multiverse theory suggests that each universe represents a life we could lead, challenging readers to consider what it means to live authentically in the “chosen” universe.
Lens on Big Ideas
Cipri’s novella is an incisive critique of modern capitalist systems, portrayed through the oppressive environment of the furniture megastore. As NPR notes, “Finna combines biting satire with heartfelt emotion” by juxtaposing absurdist humor against the stark realities of corporate greed. Yet, the novella is more than a critique—it’s a deeply personal exploration of queer identity and relationships.
Ava and Jules’s relationship is both a strength and a source of conflict. Ava embodies the fear of stagnation and indecision, while Jules challenges societal norms with unapologetic confidence. Together, their journey through the multiverse becomes a metaphor for navigating the complexities of identity and connection. Autostraddle emphasizes this, calling Finna “an exploration of queer relationships, capitalism, and accountability, woven with humor and heart”.
The novella also interrogates the concept of choice. Through their trials, Ava learns that living authentically isn’t about avoiding wrong decisions but embracing the possibilities within every choice. This idea resonates with readers navigating their own uncertainties and reinforces the novella’s central message: that resilience and connection can transcend the constraints of fear.
Lens on Time and Place
The setting of Finna cleverly satirizes the overwhelming consumer culture epitomized by IKEA-like megastores. The labyrinthine layout and the endless aisles of identical products mirror Ava and Jules’s sense of entrapment, both in their jobs and personal lives. Critics, including Amal El-Mohtar, have noted how Finna uses this setting to balance absurd humor with sharp critiques of capitalism.
Against this backdrop, the multiverse serves as a stark contrast—a chaotic, surreal expanse where infinite possibilities (and dangers) await. This juxtaposition between the monotony of the store and the boundless creativity of the multiverse underscores the novella’s themes of liberation and self-discovery.
Lens on You (Action and Impact)
Reading Finna was a deeply reflective experience. Like Ava, I’ve often struggled with decision-making and the fear of choosing the “wrong” path. Cipri’s story reminded me that uncertainty is a natural part of growth and that embracing it can lead to unexpected opportunities. As Goodreads reviewers aptly put it, Finna is “a story that blends labor and love, capitalism and accountability” while delivering a message that is both humorous and profound.
Who Should Read This
Book Recommendations
Closing Thoughts
Finna isn’t just an adventure through the multiverse; it’s a poignant exploration of identity, choice, and human connection. Nino Cipri blends humor, heart, and biting cultural critique to craft a story that resonates deeply while keeping you entertained. Whether you’re looking for a short, thought-provoking read or a story that captures the complexities of modern life with wit and charm, Finna delivers. Have you read Finna or another book that captured these themes? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments!
Originally posted: June 2022
Turn the page, take the trip—what new perspective awaits?
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