Writing a book review: towards a more critical approach

Summary ting your review try to cover the really important matters of detail, but also try to evaluate the importance of the book and analyse it from at least one contemporary perspective which might reveal its flaws, as well as its strengths. Have a look at the advice offered in the small number of other articles on reviewing such as that by Rosemary Methven (1988). estions to ask of the text are: is itoriginal or is it derivative of other work, such as some of the British books on nursing models and ethics which are virtually copies of the weightier American texts? What are the underlying values of the authors, what Eagleton (1978) calls their authorial ideology? Remember, however, that most writers have worked exceedingly hard and for largely altruistic reasons to produce their book. The rewards are meagre indeed unless you hit upon a winner like Nancy Roper and her colleagues. It is important to be constructive in criticism, to remember to focus on the weaknesses of the text not the author, but not to shrink from your true opinion.