Book Review: Universality by Natasha Brown
When I first heard about Universality, Natasha Brown’s highly anticipated follow-up to her acclaimed debut Assembly, my curiosity piqued immediately. Brown’s ability to weave complex social themes into relatable narratives had captivated me in 2021, and I couldn’t wait to see what she would explore next. Set against the backdrop of a lockdown-era surreal incident involving a gold bar, Universality proves to be a thought-provoking examination of privilege, identity, and the narratives we construct, both for ourselves and for others.
At its heart, Universality dissects the stories we tell—those woven from truth and those shaped by the constraints of perception. Structured in four distinct sections, it begins with an investigative piece titled “A Fool’s Gold,” which introduces us to the bizarre incident of an illegal rave disrupted by a hefty gold bar. On the surface, this could be a whimsical exploration of chaos, but beneath lies a deep commentary on societal fracture, revealing how late capitalism exploits and marginalizes.
As the story progresses, we meet Hannah, the ambitious yet conflicted journalist whose life is transformed by the very article that captures so much attention. The dinner party she hosts, celebrating the fictionalized adaptation of her story, reveals the complexities of authorship and the ethics behind storytelling. I felt drawn to her struggle; it’s both relatable and unsettling to realize that the truth can be manipulated to enhance drama, often at the expense of the real narratives involved.
Richard, the banker who inadvertently anchors our plot with his misfortunes, provides a perspective that challenged my own biases. I found myself empathizing with him as he grapples with public vilification, revealing a side of the banking industry that isn’t simply villainous but human. His reflections on meritocracy and the significance of diversity within his workplace struck a chord. As someone who often contemplates societal privileges, I found his character to be a mirror of my internal dialogues—reinforcing how narratives shape our understanding of justice and success.
And then there’s Lenny, the iconoclastic columnist, whose sharp wit and self-awareness—or lack thereof—evoked both admiration and frustration. Her assertions about media responsibility and the manipulation of public sentiment are strikingly relevant today, and she feels like a living embodiment of our current cultural discourse. Lenny’s line, "We tell you what you want to hear while convincing you it’s the truth," lingers in my mind, a reminder of the media’s complicated role in shaping our worldview.
Brown’s writing style is accessible yet incisive, yet it’s her ability to balance multiple perspectives that truly stands out. Each character offers a lens through which we evaluate privilege and victimhood, pushing readers to confront their beliefs and biases. The pacing, too, feels deliberate; it draws you in like the best conversations, slowly unraveling layers of insight, prompting reflection without feeling rushed.
Ultimately, Universality is a book for anyone who loves an intricate narrative layered with societal themes. It’s a challenging read that encourages dialogue around race, class, and how we define ourselves in relation to one another. I found it refreshing and intellectually stimulating—one of those books that not only entertains but also forces us to examine our assumptions.
If you loved Brown’s Assembly and are looking for deeper reflections on stories in our modern world, Universality will feel like a gift. It’s an essential read for those intrigued by the thresholds of identity and the complexities of storytelling itself. Personally, I walked away invigorated and introspective, eager to discuss its themes with anyone who would listen. A resounding 5 stars for another brilliant work from a voice that is swiftly becoming vital in contemporary literature. Thank you, Natasha Brown, for your unflinching courage to explore the messiness of humanity.
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