A book review is a critical analysis and evaluation of a book's content, style, and relevance, based on a summarized understanding of what the book is about without necessarily reading the entire book.
The purpose of writing a book review is to analyze, examine, and evaluate the text to determine its suitability, relevance to the reader, background information, and for publicity.
A good book review should have the following features: a correct format, a brief summary or synopsis of the book's striking content, an identification of the main themes, major characters, and main setting, an analysis of the book's strengths and weaknesses, and an assessment of the reviewer's own opinion of the book's success or failure, with valid reasons given to support the assessment.
The review should be written in the simple present tense to make it live and timeless.
Parts of a book review
Heading:
- The heading should contain the basic information of the book review.
- Title of the book
- Author's name
- Publisher of the book
- Year of publication
- Price
- Number of pages
- Availability
- Reviewer's name and age
Introduction:
- The introduction should include a brief summary of the book.
- Define what a book review is and its purpose.
- The introduction should capture the attention of the reader and make them interested in the book.
Body:
- The body of the book review should include a more detailed analysis of the book.
- Provide a brief summary of the plot and the main theme(s).
- Discuss the major characters and the main setting.
- Identify the major styles used in the book.
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the book.
- Give your opinion/assessment of the book and provide valid reasons for it.
Conclusion:
- The conclusion should provide a brief summary of the book review.
- Encourage readers to read the book, mentioning its relevance to the present day.
- Mention whether the book is examinable or not.
Example of a book review:
BOOK REVIEW Title: A Doll’s House Author: Henrik Ibsen Publisher: East African Educational Publishers Limited Year of Publication: 2017 Price: Ksh.500 Number of pages: 120 Availability: All bookshops Reviewer: Benson John
Introduction:
A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen is a three-act family drama that explores the trials and tribulations faced by women in a patriarchal society. The play emphasizes the status of women and how they are victims of social injustices.Body:
The play revolves around Nora, the protagonist, who secretly obtains a loan through forgery to save her husband's life. When her secret is revealed, she expects her husband, Torvald, to support her, but he chooses his reputation over her. Nora realizes that she has been living under a false illusion of love and decides to take a difficult step. Against social norms, she decides to walk out of her marriage to find her true identity and independence. The play explores themes of self-sacrifice, love, determination, deception, betrayal, male chauvinism, blackmail, maintaining appearances, and reputation.The major styles used in the play include symbolism, imagery, irony, foreshadowing, and hyperbole. The playwright criticizes the patriarchal law that undermines the place of women in society, which is a significant strength. However, the play's weakness is in its resolution of conflict. The play ends with Nora walking out of her marriage, seeming to advocate for the disintegration of the family.