A short but punchy novel of an unusual crime and the quirky cast of characters caught up in its orbit. Though her latest didn’t grip me like Assembly did, it’s impossible to deny Brown’s talent and wit. Best to read in one or two sittings to really get into the swing of the story. I enjoyed the ‘long read’ article style of the novel’s first portion.

Having loved ASSEMNLY, I was intrigued to read UNIVERSALITY. I found the first half so engaging and interesting and loved the way Brown had framed an unreliable narrator but also someone who was clearly just slightly out of their depth. To finish with that debate was like watching a tennis match against Serena Williams and an umpire.

Universality by Natasha Brown explores issues of class, race and diversity , sexism, politics and capitalism and our society.