A solid review presents the novel to the reader and allows them to decide whether they are interested in reading or purchasing it.
Description: What is it Like?
- Plot
A plot overview is necessary. As a guide, it should include more information than the teaser on the back cover, but it should never contain plot spoilers or detailed synopsis. Many people read for the story alone, especially with popular fiction, and plot spoilers are unforgivable. It's a rare occasion that a book will need more than a couple of paragraphs of plot summary, and ideally less than that.
Don't list protagonists and their characteristics, though it's fine to briefly mention the main characters and their role in the storyline.
- Theme and Writing
The presentation should not end with the plot. The most important question this part of the review answers is What is this novel like? Ideally, you should say what the book is about: its main theme, a point it's trying to make, a message if there is one. But don't turn your review into an academic analysis. A review is not a coursework essay.
It's also good to place the novel, especially if the author is unknown, in a wider cultural framework. If the novel is a 'genre' book, say what it is. Murder mystery? Space opera? Bonkbuster? Horror? Steam punk? It can be useful to point out titles or authors it can be compared to.
Say a word about the writing: not a long analysis of style, but a mention of the quality and style; techniques, language and structure. If there is an obvious tradition or method the author used, point it out: a clever pastiche of Pride and Prejudice; a stream of consciousness novel about artistic choices; gritty kitchen-sink drama of working class life.
- Author
It's common to include a note about the author in the review, but this should be kept to the minimum and it's best avoided if the author is well known and recognised. Referencing and comparison to other works by the same writer is usually a good idea, though.
Opinion: What Did You Think About It?
This is the subjective element of the review, but even subjective opinions require some justification. I didn't like it is not a review: tell your readers why. I loved it is all very good, but the readers need to know whether they would love it too: tell them what made the book work for you. Is the plot believable or full of holes? Are the characters flat or developed, likeable or repulsive? Was it interesting or boring, easy to read or a challenge? Did it make you laugh, cry, shudder, cringe? If it made you think or reflect, what about and why? Was there anything you particularly disliked? Why?
You don't need to cover all aspects of the novel's construction and the writer's craft. Concentrate on the highlights or the things that were particularly awful. Mention things that might be important to other readers even if they didn't bother you; as in this example of otherwise enthusiastic review Developed characters are conspicuously absent and those who like novels with realistic protagonists will find this one tiresome.
Recommendation: Borrow, Buy or Give it a Miss?
This should summarise the descriptive and opinion elements and combine it with a recommended course of action. Giving a star rating or points out of ten is common and useful, as is suggesting an audience the novel might appeal to. It's also worth warning those that might find the book a drag or be offended by it.
Publication
Post your reviews on opinion writing sites like Ciao, dooyoo or epinions. Add to Amazon's reviews (members of their Vine review program even get free books). Or join a specialist book reviewing site like The BookBag.
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