I've been 'reviewing' books at the amateur level for as long as I could read, but two of my book reviews have been published professionally, both in 2010. Woohoo!
To clarify, I submitted four reviews in all; one was a sample of a graphic novel, two were published, and a third was submitted this week. I'm proud. That they published a complete amateur's opinion on a new book! Fingers crossed for the third review.
My longest book review to date is Victoria and Abdul. Non fiction, and historical. Of course I was going to review it! I suggested, read and reviewed. Simply fascinating stuff. Queen Victoria, for her Golden Jubilee, was sent an Indian servant. The lad rose to become her teacher, secretary and confidante, even controlling some of her opinions and actions. There's a description of Her Majesty hurling vases, paperweights and other sundry objects in fury, when someone dared to complain about said servant. Gold. Didn't dream QV was ever in such a bate!
I always finish the whole book before reviewing it, even if it is a small four-sentence take. Or else, I'm scared I'll miss something vital. Apart from title, author, publisher, pages and price, the other thing I include is the plot--no spoilers, no ending; just basic storyline--somewhere at the beginning of the review. Then I move on to how natural the characters and dialogue are. Grammar and vocabulary follow, and tempo. I also insert some info on the author, such as the name of a previous work, or original profession.
The overall mood of the work, and whether that mood is contrived or consistent, has to come in, too. Where possible, I bring out how the book is different, by including a rare description, or a beautiful figure of speech used in the book. While I used to add a bottomline summing up my feelings on the book, I've found out it isn't recommended and is somewhat unimpressive.
Ultimately, what I do is answer these questions: What is the book about? What is the book like? What is special about it? Why should you read it?
I'm no authority. These are just the guidelines I follow. I have a long way to go before they invite me to the Times Literary Supplement, and I need tips to improve my reviewing. Do share.
Next week: do not begin a sentence with I or my.
Congrats on your success! It must be a great feeling!
ReplyDeleteThese are great guidelines. Good reviewers are a blessing to all writers. Keep it up. Next stop, the TLS!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this. Shame that Munshi Abdul Karim destroyed all his correspondence with the Queen after she died. Where can I read your review of Victoria and Abdul?
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