the majority of the novel feels like it doesn't really get to the point but it's by design. the beginning starts out with something wider: a young man is nearly killed by a gold bar at an illegal rave. then the novel gradually zooms in by following a journalist who wants to uncover the truth of this crime. i don't think brown sticks the landing but what i found most compelling was in how brown explored language and how there is something intuitive about constructing an argument that resonates. in particular, there's something intuitive about scientific process and how humans rely on this process to make sense of the uncertain. however just because the scientific process is utilized doesn't mean everyone will come to the same conclusion, but it's the act of relying on that sense of rationality that can be dangerous if left unchecked.

The book begins with a man almost killed after being struck by a solid gold bar at an illegal rave. In the aftermath, a young journalist begins to uncover the truth, drawing connections between an amoral banker landlord, an iconoclastic columnist, and a radical anarchist movement that has taken up residence on the farm.

This short yet insightful novel is a character-driven narrative that is similar to the themes and captivating writing of Brown's debut, Assembly. However, the key difference is in the narrative structure. While Assembly is told from a single POV, Universality has multiple POVs. The first chapter initially felt a bit overwhelming with the introduction of numerous characters.

What intrigued me most about this novel, as highlighted in its synopsis, is its exploration of language, "the book focuses on what we say, how we say it, and what we really mean." At the beginning, the journalist is determined to reveal the truth of the events, a truth that I, as a reader, initially accepted. However, as we dive deeper into the perspectives of various characters, it becomes clear that each one posseses their own version of the truth, ultimately positioning themselves as victims in their own narratives. Significant themes throughout the book include the cultural wars within journalism, classism, and race, all of which contribute to its thought-provoking depth.