Dive Into the Complexities of "Universality" by Natasha Brown
As a book blogger, I often find myself captivated by novels that push boundaries, and Natasha Brown’s "Universality," set to release in 2025, is precisely that. Following her stunning debut, Assembly, which was a searing exploration of identity and privilege, I was eager to dive into her next literary venture. If Assembly was the spark, then Universality is the roaring fire, igniting discussions around privilege, the power of storytelling, and the multifaceted narratives that shape our society.
Key Themes and Characters
"Universality" starts strong with a New Journalism piece, “A Fool’s Gold,” cleverly navigating an odd incident during lockdown—an illegal rave interrupted by a gold bar incident (yes, you read that right). This caper sets the stage for a broader commentary on societal fractures, unveiling a tapestry where everyone sees themselves as the victim. The characters are intriguingly diverse: from the struggling journalist Hannah, whose attempts to share the truth morph into an unexpected narrative, to Richard, the "amoral banker," who finds his life turned upside down by the public’s perception.
Each character offers a unique lens through which to explore privilege and its complexities. Personally, I found myself empathizing with Richard, whose lamentations about the injustice he faces struck a chord. He represents that often-overlooked narrative: someone trying to operate within ethically murky waters, yet deemed a villain by the broader society. I could relate to the struggles he faces, echoing the often-unrecognized stories we tell ourselves about success and morality.
Writing Style and Narrative Techniques
Brown’s narrative style is both engaging and thought-provoking. The pacing moves seamlessly from investigative journalism to personal dinner-party dialogues, then onto interviews that peel back layers of public personas. I was especially struck by one quote: “We tell you what you want to hear, while convincing you that it’s the truth,” which made me reflect on the media’s power to shape our narratives.
The brilliance of "Universality" lies in its multi-perspective approach. Unlike Assembly, which featured a single narrator’s voice, this novel allows us to witness various characters constraining their realities, raising critical questions about who owns a story and who gets to share it. Brown challenges the reader to rethink bias—an issue I appreciated immensely.
Conclusion
This book will undoubtedly spark conversations and debates, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of privilege, identity, and narrative authenticity. If you enjoyed Brown’s Assembly or are looking for a novel that challenges societal norms and provokes thoughtful discussion, "Universality" is bound to resonate with you.
For me, the reading experience was both unsettling and enlightening, a true testament to the nuanced storytelling that Brown excels in. As I closed the final pages, I was left pondering much of what I thought I understood about privilege, narrative, and identity. This is a five-star read that I can’t wait to see unfold in broader literary circles. Thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC via my twin, aka Gumble’s Yard – Golden Reviewer. It’s a journey worth taking, and I can’t recommend it enough!
