How do I write a critical review?

HELP! University essay. How to write a critical book review?

• I need help in writing a critical book review. I have no idea where to start. I almost finished the book but it isn't a novel it is more of a historical background book about a ...show more

• Answer:

  If you've never written a book review before, the first thing to do is to go and read some examples of them. Go to your library an have look at some relevant academic journals, because a lot of them will publish reviews of newly issued books. But basically, what you have to do in a critical review is to summarise the main themes or arguments of the book, say what you think of them, and also say how the book fits with other work that has been produced on the same subject. For instance, does the book present original research, or is it just synthesising old material? Is it a an unbiased overview, or is it presented from a particular viewpoint? Are its arguments convincing, or does the author put too much weight on too little evidence? Is there much attempt at analysis, or does the author just present a factual narrative? Does the author ignore any important sources that they ought to have taken account of? Those are the sorts of questions you should mostly focus on, but you can also include a bit about more general issues like whether the book is well written and easy to follow, whether it has good maps and illustrations, and whether it is accurate or full of errors. If you are still in doubt, the best thing to do would be to produce a draft outline of what you want to write, and then go and have a talk with your tutor to see whether you are going in the right direction or if they would suggest any changes before you produce the final piece.