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readingisadoingword 's review for:
Universality
by Natasha Brown
challenging
informative
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:
Complicated
Overall I appreciated the "cleverness" of the book and the themes raised - weaponizing language, social justice, the illusion of "truth". The opening section about an attack with a gold bar during an illegal Lockdown rave, had me gripped. However when the narrative moved on, while I could see the message that was being sent, I couldn't get quite as invested in the rest of the story or in the other characters.
Personally, I really need to be emotionally invested in at least one character in order to fully enjoy a book - whether that's to love or hate them. Unfortunately none of the characters/narrators in Universality raised much emotional response from me, so I couldn't really love this book. I can 100% see why it's been Longlisted and it's full of clever commentary and observation. If you enjoy books built on ideas as opposed to linear, character-driven narrative then this would definitely be worth a look.
Personally, I really need to be emotionally invested in at least one character in order to fully enjoy a book - whether that's to love or hate them. Unfortunately none of the characters/narrators in Universality raised much emotional response from me, so I couldn't really love this book. I can 100% see why it's been Longlisted and it's full of clever commentary and observation. If you enjoy books built on ideas as opposed to linear, character-driven narrative then this would definitely be worth a look.