690 reviews for:

Universality

Natasha Brown

3.48 AVERAGE

rachlincs's review against another edition

3.5

challenging reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

carmijn's review against another edition

3.0

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In this second novel by Natasha Brown, the author experiments with narrative form and returns to thematic discussions around class, race and identity politics in contemporary Britain. Opening with a journalistic piece about the theft of a gold bar by a member of an activist community who is found squadding in a house of a wealthy businessman, the narrative follows a wide variety of characters as they engage with and respond to the case at hand while reflecting on their own position within a capitalist system. Though I enjoyed the journalist tone in different parts and seeing where the writer plays into questions she received after the publication of her debut novel, I believe the novel could have been more experimental or critical in order to develop the story more. Until the final part, it felt like the second half of the novel was an extension of what was said before already.

gracevanhorn's review against another edition

4.5

challenging dark medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

thespinystacks's review against another edition

3.0

informative reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: N/A

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

biodrbuo's review against another edition

2.5

medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Loveable characters: No

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What a weird book with thoroughly unlikeable characters. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism, Injury/Injury detail

goosedollaz's review against another edition

3.0

challenging dark reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

domchris9's review against another edition

3.5

challenging emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

kj_mccormick's review

4.0

challenging mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

queercorn's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 22%

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Did not care 

tess_dennison's review against another edition

4.0

challenging dark tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes