After the normal introduction, which can also involve the author’s purpose for writing the book (some authors include this in their preface), move to the body may include explanations on the author’s style, the characters, the plot, theme, setting and so on. Answer questions like from what sources are the characters drawn, the author’s attitude towards his characters, elements of the plot, the major themes present and so on. The author’s style involves the intellectual, emotional and aesthetic qualities of the writing.
Also evaluate the book for interest, accuracy, objectivity, importance, thoroughness and usefulness to the intended audience. Respond to the author’s opinions the ones you agree with and the ones you don’t with reasons. You can also discuss the writer’s point of view.
IMPORTANCE OF BOOK REVIEWING
I know you are already saying in your mind ‘what do I need this for anyway?” but I assure its more beneficial than you think.
- If you can successfully review any book then you will have no problem reviewing your class notes as a student
- Book reviewing provides you with a wider range of knowledge and helps you understand others especially writers better.
- You will be doing the writer and even yourself a lot of good if you can pinpoint the high points and low points of any work of literature.
- It also helps in choosing books , lots of people tend to believe reviews made on a particular book this also helps them gain confidence in the author.
A PERSONAL REVIEW ON CRUEL PASSION (A prose)
I figured out if I don’t practice what I preach, you might not be totally convinced. So I did a short review on a medium sized novel titled cruel passion.
Introduction
Cruel passion is 183pages novel written by Dayo Oladele-Ilori. From the line of thought of the author I was able to gather that the author is female. It is her first novel; she is a prolific author, a life management consultant and a life coach. The novel was first published in 2011, ISBN 9789780267384. It is an intricate plot with suspense. The author’s purpose I believe is to ascertain whose duty it is to exert revenge, the victim? , karma? or God?
The author also made clear her passionate belief that the sins of the fathers continue to live after them and generations yet unborn still pay.
Theme
The major themes include love, revenge, success, hate, regret, crime, betrayal, pain. The themes are traditional, familiar, psychological and entertaining in purpose. The above mentioned themes are revealed in the novel.
Plot
The various elements of the plot which includes introduction, suspense, climax and conclusion are well handled. The plot to character harmony is almost perfect as the characters go in line with the plots. The elements of suspense and mystery are present in the novel.
Setting
The novel is set in Nigeria and USA and this plays an important role in the book. A sense of atmosphere is evoked as familiar places were mentioned in the novel and the author helps the imagination by describing the atmosphere. The setting also influences the characters and the plot.
Style
The writing is rich in emotional qualities e.g. Pain, joy, love. The dialogue is also effective; it also contains some aesthetic qualities e.g. harmony and rhythm
Conclusion
The author provides answers to these questions; does crime pay? Whose responsibility is it to exact punishment? In the novel, the author has made use of dramatic, exciting and interesting plots to put the story together and to teach the audience who I believe is the general public a great lesson, I therefore recommend this book for all and sundry, although a rather sad ending, the story will entertain every reader to its very end
