Natasha Brown’s “Universality”: A Sharp Satire of the Contemporary Journalism Landscape
March 13, 2025
In Natasha Brown’s latest novel, “Universality,” the acclaimed author sets her sharp gaze on the world of contemporary journalism, particularly the rise of viral long-read articles. Following her successful debut, “Assembly,” Brown once again demonstrates her masterful ability to tackle complex themes with precise and economical language. The result is a biting satire that lays bare the complexities, hypocrisies, and power dynamics inherent in the industry.
“Universality” centers around a long-read article that goes viral, detailing an assault involving a climate activist and an investment banker. This narrative device, which takes up a significant portion of the novel, is a pitch-perfect parody of the work of renowned journalists such as Andrew O’Hagan and Sam Knight. Brown’s meticulous research into the British journalism scene is evident, as she expertly captures the social hierarchies, struggles, and triumphs of those who inhabit it.
Drawing inspiration from Tom Wolfe’s New Journalism style, Brown explores the intersection of entertainment and reporting, questioning the ethics of using people’s lives as fodder for public consumption. In her novel, she dissects the increasing reliance on freelance journalism, the impression of funding cuts on news outlets, and the elusive pursuit of becoming a staff journalist.
Language is another crucial theme in “Universality,” with Brown utilizing the novel form to maintain complete control over her prose. Through this mastery, she creates a tonal dissonance between the events unfolding in the narrative and the language used to describe them, adding layers of meaning, humor, and commentary to her work.
As the novel unfolds, Brown highlights the parallels between the world of journalism and broader societal issues. Her exploration of the power dynamics within newsrooms serves as a microcosm of the struggles faced by individuals in various industries, providing a relatable and insightful commentary on the human condition.
“Universality” is not only a testament to Natasha Brown’s literary prowess but also a thought-provoking critique of the journalism industry’s inner workings. By exposing the flaws and contradictions inherent in this world, Brown encourages readers to question the ethics of media consumption and the way language can be manipulated to serve different agendas.
In a time when journalism faces unprecedented challenges, this timely novel provides a much-needed reflection on the state of the industry and its impression on society as a whole.
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