Assembly

by Natasha Brown
Assembly cover
Good Books rating 3.77
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3415
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780241992678
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2021-06-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Assembly follows a Black British woman as she prepares to attend a lavish garden party at her boyfriend's family estate, reflecting on her carefully constructed identity and the pressures of fitting into a predominantly white, upper-class world. The novel explores themes of race, class, and the personal sacrifices made to conform to societal expectations, all while questioning whether it's time to dismantle the carefully assembled pieces of oneself. Praised for its virtuosic prose and exquisite storytelling, Assembly has been shortlisted for numerous prestigious awards, including the Folio Prize and the Goldsmiths Prize. The novel's unique voice and timely themes have made it one of the most talked-about debuts of the year.

Reviews
I've Read This · 2022-02-10
insightful 3.80

The review emphasizes the protagonist's hard-working nature and the high-pressure environment of her job, noting the novel's exploration of racial and gender dynamics in the corporate world.

I've Read This delves into the life of the unnamed, young black woman at the center of Assembly, highlighting her intelligence and work ethic in a high-pressure corporate environment. The reviewer appreciates how the novel sheds light on the racial and gender dynamics she faces, making it a relevant and thought-provoking read. They note that the book's exploration of these themes is both timely and necessary, offering a glimpse into the challenges of navigating a predominantly white workplace.

Quick quotes

    We are thrown into the life of an unnamed, young black woman who works at high-pressure blue-chip company. She is smart and incredibly hard-working.

    The novel's exploration of racial and gender dynamics in the corporate world is both timely and necessary.

    Assembly offers a powerful narrative that highlights the everyday struggles of a young black woman in a predominantly white workplace.

Masters Review · 2021-09-14
impactful 4.00

The review discusses the novel's exploration of a financially successful woman's life, highlighting the impact of a cancer diagnosis on her perspective. It notes the book's brevity and its ability to convey deep emotions in a short span.

Masters Review's examination of Assembly focuses on the protagonist's journey as a financially successful woman facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis. The reviewer appreciates how the novel uses its short length to convey profound emotions and thoughts, making it a quick yet impactful read. They highlight the book's ability to tackle serious themes with a sense of urgency and intimacy, making it a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    In Natasha Brown's short novel, Assembly, there is a literal plot—a financially successful woman who has just found out she has cancer must go through a series of life-changing events.

    The novel's brevity is one of its strengths, allowing it to deliver a powerful punch in a short amount of time.

    Assembly is a poignant exploration of how a single event can alter one's perspective on life and success.

The Guardian · 2021-06-12
thought-provoking 3.50

The review highlights the novel's sparse writing style and its exploration of a black woman's disorienting experience of assimilation. It draws parallels to Mrs. Dalloway, emphasizing the protagonist's introspective journey.

The Guardian's review of Assembly praises its concise yet powerful narrative, which effectively captures the protagonist's sense of alienation and the pressures of assimilation. The reviewer notes the novel's similarity to Mrs. Dalloway, particularly in its stream-of-consciousness style and the protagonist's internal reflections. They appreciate how the book delves into themes of identity and belonging, making it a compelling read that resonates with contemporary issues.

Quick quotes

    A sparsely written debut about a black woman preparing for a party examines the disorienting experience of assimilation.

    The novel's stream-of-consciousness style mirrors the protagonist's fragmented thoughts and emotions.

    Assembly is a poignant exploration of identity and the pressures of fitting into a society that often feels hostile.

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