The term "review" is translated from Latin as "review", "evaluation". In Russia the genre appeared with the publication of the first literary magazines in the middle of the 18th century.
What is a review
This is the critical-analytical form. Its essence is the analysis of journal articles and books, scientific works, works of various kinds of art. The reviews characterize the subject, point out its shortcomings and merits, make comments and suggestions.
How to write a review correctly
Writing a review requires a thorough knowledge of the subject. It requires deep reflection on what you have read, heard, or seen, and the ability to analyze. But urgency in the subject is not enough to write a good text; you must also be able to frame the material correctly.
Review structure
Common Components:
- Title.
- Introduction.
- The basis of the review: analysis, significance, merits and demerits.
- Conclusion: value and significance, reasoned judgment, recommendations.
The title and introduction attract attention. The main body touches on the most important aspects. The conclusion is the conclusion.
Peculiarities of the review as a genre
The reviewer is objective, impartial, and fair. He needs to:
- target a wide range of users;
- not to make offensive remarks;
- dodge the secondary and the trivial;
- prove the validity of their opinion;
- point out the special points.
Types of reviews
Critical articles differ in their writing style. The analysis of films, theatrical plays, and literary works allows for a great deal of emotionality and subjective opinion. An analysis of a scientific text or a review of a product is characterized by objectivity, lack of emotionality, and structural clarity. In terms of volume the text can be a full critical article, and a brief analysis. There is also such a genre as autocriticism - the author's reasoning about his own work.
Book review
The main part specifies the title, author, genre, style, and theme. It is not necessary to tell much about the plot and main characters - only to arouse curiosity. The reader should understand the reviewer's opinion and be eager to read the work, or reject it if the criticism is negative.
The conclusion requires a well-founded and very clear point of view on the material. It is worth remembering to make objective arguments in favor of positive or negative criticism.
Text, film, and research reviews are written in the same way.
Let's look at two examples of reviews of Klaus Mann's novel Mephistopheles.
- "Mephistopheles. The Story of a Career."
In the prologue you can place the following words: "He who dances with the Nazis, dances his dance of death.
The novel Mephistopheles was written by Klaus Mann in 1936. The protagonist, actor Hendrik Hefgen, hungry for career, fame and money, sells his friends and his vocation to the Nazis. Once he gets what he wants and becomes director of the theaters, Hefgen realizes what a terrible mistake he has made.
The idea of the work is the adaptation of a creative persona to the dictatorship of Nazism. The poignant work remains relevant for the ages. A fascinating read makes you think about conscience, honor and citizenship.
- "Mephistopheles. The Story of a Career."
The novel was written by Klaus Mann, son of the famous wordsmith Thomas Mann, shortly before the outbreak of World War II. It tells the story of the little-known actor Hendrik Hefgen. Hefgen dreams of money, fame, and a brilliant career. He realizes that all this can only be obtained by recognizing the Nazi regime. At first he sells his name by becoming Heinz for the benefit of the Nazis. Further, the betrayals escalate like a snowball. He is forced to sell his actor friends. Once appointed director of the theaters, he stages only those works that please the Nazis, trampling on the great German literature. Confident in his powers, Hefgen appeals to "the very" Göring - and, hearing the insult in return, realizes that he must know his place. He is only a buffoon to the powerful of this world. This leads Hefgen to a loss of equilibrium. He is no longer able to play on stage. I recommend the book for reading.
The first review is short, following all the basic rules of writing. The text encourages the reader to refer to the book. The second review lacks an introduction. It is too long; it basically retells the plot. Nothing is said about the reviewer's opinion or the value of the work.
Successful work is informative and engaging.
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