We Contain Multitudes cover art

We Contain Multitudes

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We Contain Multitudes

Written by: Sarah Henstra
Narrated by: Matthew Gouveia, Tony Kim
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Buy Now for ₹500.00

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About this listen

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe meets I'll Give You the Sun in an exhilarating and emotional novel about the growing relationship between two teens boys, told through the letters they write to one another.
Jonathan Hopkirk and Adam "Kurl" Kurlansky are partnered in English class, writing letters to one another in a weekly pen pal assignment. With each letter, the two begin to develop a friendship that eventually grows into love. But with homophobia, bullying, and devastating family secrets, Jonathan and Kurl struggle to overcome their conflicts and hold onto their relationship...and each other.
This rare and special novel celebrates love and life with engaging characters and stunning language, making it perfect for fans of Jandy Nelson, Nina LaCour, and David Levithan.
Bullying & Abuse Dating & Sex Difficult Situations Family & Relationships LGBTQ+ Literature & Fiction Romance

Critic Reviews

Praise for We Contain Multitudes:
*"A love story, a therapy session, a reason to read Whitman-the sweetness of unexpected amour is here, as is the saline of sadness...Your reason to root for love-and the power of the pen."
Kirkus, starred review
*"This is an absolutely extraordinary work of fiction that proves the epistolary novel is an art form. Kurl and Jo are characters to die for, emotionally compelling and empathetic. Their quotidian lives are riveting and their story unforgettable...not to be missed."—Booklist, starred review
"...as a medium for reporting day-to-day occurrences and conveying intimate feelings and classic themes-love, lust, and betrayal, among others-the letters shine."—Publishers Weekly
"...her [Hentra's] skill lies in painstakingly depicting each boy's slow move toward vulnerability until a smoldering, secret romance begins. This exploration of self and sexuality is sure to be quickly embraced by fans of Love, Simon, They Both Die in the End and The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue"
Shelf Awareness
"We Contain Multitudes is an emotional journey, both heartbreaking and healing. A true love letter to the way family, friendships, and first loves slowly peel away our carefully constructed walls to the layers beneath. Henstra's words are a universe I never want to escape."

Julian Winters, author of Running with Lions
"The title of this book is incredibly fitting. Jonathan and Kurl are two complex and fascinating characters, and they instantly drew me into the world created by their letters and their love. It's an astonishing romance and character study that also happens to be full of gorgeous writing."—Robin Talley, author of Lies We Tell Ourselves and Pulp
All stars
Most relevant
The letter writing style works till certain chapters but after that it doesn't and just drags the story.

Some core ideas for the character were good but I felt something was missing in the execution.

I skipped last few chapters because of the style (letter writing) as it made it feel second hand story

initially style is apt then it doesn't work

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nothing has touched me quite like this book. it's not perfect and it's not supposed to be; that's what makes the story so beautiful. the emotion captured in the VO only heightens the impact of the text. i really have never come across something that's made me so emotional. i love this book to the moon and back. thank you for the memories.

a spiritual experience

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