Writing Reviews for Readers' Advisory - Essay Example

ssаy Аnаlysis of Reviews Insert Name Institution Introduction Essentially, critical reviews adopt an analogous structure that entails a detailed evaluation of the object subject to review. First, a review must have a precise introduction. The few opening lines stipulates the details of the book that is, the title of the book its author and a succinct explication of the topic of the text (Brigid, 2009). Secondly, a standard review ought to have an eminent evaluation structured in such a way that arguments are in a logical sequence with well-built arguments. Thirdly, an in depth summary is equally a significant feature of review writing. The review ought to provide a comprehensive abstract of the text with a restricted number of illustrations. In professional review writing, a critique has a unique sequence; from the weighty points to the least important conclusions made about the text. If the reviewer takes an affirmative position, the positive points come first whereas the negative points come last. Consequently, the review adopts that sequence (Brad, 2009). Last of all, a standard review should have a conclusion. This is habitually a short paragraph that requires the reviewer to restate his or her overall opinion about the text. Part A: Еssаy Аnаlysis of Reviews I preferred to analyze the following two reviews- that were published in the Australian book review; Michael Morley’s review of Freedom and the Arts: Essays on Music and Literature by Charles Rosen and Nick Hordern’s review of Exit Wounds: One Australian’s War on Terror by John Cantwell and Greg Bearup. These reviews were published on the Australian Book Review for the December 2012 to January 2013 publication. Quintessentially, Michael Morley’s review of Charles Rosen work is a demonstration of a great mastery of review writing techniques. The review commences with a classic introduction, which introduces the reader to the object subject to review in an epigrammatic way. The introduction is reasonably suitable since it adequately inform the reader what object is being reviewed its author and what the text covers in general. The introduction mainly endeavors to convey the theme of the text and a concise summary of the chief argument. Nevertheless, the introduction wind ups with an epigrammatic evaluation of the text, which abridges the reviewer’s position of the text In addition, the introduction gives an account of the author in brevity and expresses the theme of the text (Jose, 2005). Michael Morley’s evaluation of the text (of Freedom and the Arts: Essays on Music and Literature by Charles Rosen) is no doubt exemplary given the echelon of analysis he displays. Thus, the reader can easily identify the writer’s positions. The argument is proposed in an array of points supported by evidence from the text. A top-notch argument illustrates cause and effect. The evaluation in his review entails profound arguments, which not only communicates information about the text but also passes judgment on its significance and credibility. Michael deems Rosen a great performer and applauds his great intellect and insight into the massive and enthralling literary subjects such as, tedui and ennui which are among the greatest literature of Europe, France dating back to the 17th century (Michael et al. 2012). Michael Morley’s approach in review of the text demonstrates great skill and encompasses a comparison of the text with other sources such as, Stefan George whose work Rosen quotes quite often. Laudable reviews incorporate other sources and cite them to reinforce evaluation of the text. Thus Michael has absolutely employed this technique. In professional reviewing writing a critique is appreciably of great significance. The critique entails of an ideal discussion and appraisal of the prominent features of the text as well as its weakness. In addition, the evaluation of the text is of a high caliber and seeks to analysis the use o f language in the text. In fact, Michael Morley’s style of analysis is unquestionable. He questions the author insight into the theme of culture in a manner which brings about falsehearted use of terms to conceal the inappropriate relation of history to the theory proposed in the text. Furthermore, the review disapproves of the unproven judgment of various masterpiece mentioned in the text. The review also analyzes inappropriate use of quotations from other source with proper referencing. Nevertheless, the review addresses each criterion in individual paragraphs and the critique impressively accommodates both negative and positive aspect (Michael et al. 2012). In addition, the critique must encompass the reviewer’s recommendations regarding the various aspects on how the text could be improved in terms of theories, ideas and research approach. The evaluation is indispensably the core of a review and conveys the analysis of a text in entirety. Hence the review does not only endow information but also contextualizing the text with scintillating comparisons (Jose, 2005). The review stipulates the inappropriate use of language in the text and concludes with a single positive comment on positive use of language with a comparison of the text with Richard Taruskin’s work. However, the conclusion is not remarkable since it falls short of restating the reviewer’s perspective with an emphasis to expound on the judgment passed o the text (Brad, 2009). On the other hand, Nick Hordern’s review of Exit Wounds: One Australian’s War on Terror by John Cantwell and Greg Bearup is another consummate review. The review instigates with a catchy introduction which, restates the sensational theme of the text. The review progresses to provide a precise exposition of the text and the main argument with respect to the reviewer’s standpoint. The review is apparent and follows a distinctive sequence which encompasses positive points in support of the text’s content. The reviewer passes judgment on the text and accompanies the judgment with palpable examples from the text. Essentially, the review uses engaging language with emotional appeal such as, obsessed, disadvantaged and unreflecting. The review also employs rhetoric language such as, provocative questions to plead the reader to agree with the reviewer’s point of view. In addition, the review gives an ideal summary of the text, thus the reader is well informed (Nick et al. 2012). Positive arguments are set at end to support the reviewer’s standpoint of the text. In addition, a conclusive restatement may back up these arguments for a further exposition of the text in regards to its theme of war. This justifies the review and appreciably an all-inclusive conclusion. Lastly, the review has an informative summary. This is of great essence to expound on the purpose of the author through out the text. The reviewer is at liberty to describe the organization of the text in brevity. This is paramount since an argument ought to be unambiguous and connect an action and its consequences. For instance, the writer ought to demonstrate articulately how action from a certain a scene in the plot of a text affects another in its story line (Jose, 2005). However, the summary ought not to be more than a third of the review, and the critique is based on an explicit criterion. In addition, the review has an apparent conclusion that contains recommendations of the reviewer in brevity. Nonetheless, a further emphasis of the reviewer’s judgment maybe added to make the review a reasonable, fair and justified piece of professional work (Brad, 2009). Part B: (i) Review: Dorothy Porter's Wild Surmise is dramatized Introduction In reality, Dorothy Porter is among Australia’s legendary poets who sank to great depth in Aristotelian zeal. Her passion for the celebrated genre of fiction is adequately fostered by a rich collection of her work, verse novels and recent collections. Dorothy’s exuberant work depicts sensational drama in her verse novels in which her poetic talent is most evident. Thus, it is no wonder that some of her novels inclusive of the Wild Surmise have been adapted for the stage. Summary Alex, a key character in the text explores the stars in pursuit of life with an agitated force. Her first fascination as an astrobiologist is Europa which is Jupiter’s icy moon. However, shortly after, she falls for an ice queen; an alluring but emotionally unavailable specialist in black holes. On Earth Alex’s spouse, Daniel is a teacher in romantic poetry and suffers emotional shock at his discovery of both his infection with terminal cancer and his wife’s unfaithfulness. This production was developed for the stage and directed in a wholehearted way that brings out the drama and liveliness of Porter in the best way possible. Jane Montgomery Griffiths adapted and directed the text in a smooth transition by use of adroit edits, as well as transpositions to enhance a sense of picturesque continuity across all the poems that make up the text. Griffiths and Humphrey play Alex and Daniel respectively and tackle the verse with resolute perfection from the start and conclude it with a through scintillating performance. Nonetheless, the play falls short of emotional contact. In much of her work, Porter endeavors to devise new metaphors to modify Sappho 31 in an attempt to explore the physical indicators of lust, covetousness, love and loss. At last, the main noticeable loss is Alex’s sense of presence and sympathy instigated by her true affection for Phoebe. The production delivers porters verse but fails to manifest love Alex’s sensation cravings. The theme of romance is overshadowed by loss and Alex becomes a subsidiary part of the text owing to the heart aching Daniel (Dorothy, 2012). Critique Wild Surmise a first-class novel and encompasses a marriage between astronomy and love. The novel intertwines love and astronomy to produce a star-crossed lover’s story. Its adaptation for the stage is agreeably an ingenious piece of exertion about tumultuous stages of a marriage bound to fail. The director precisely underlines how marriage and love can drive lovers into a course whilst each look for a connection they once had. The director is ardent in ensuring the novel’s poetry and lyricism are brought to light within the theatre setting. In fact, the director does a meticulous job to enhance the novel’s poetry as the couple struggle with the troubled state of their marriage (Dorothy, 2012). Potter’s choice of language is mainly rhythmic and poetic unlike the conventional narrative story telling form. Although this form is a bit complex for the general audience, the professional language pants the characters in a broad way that fosters narrative. For instance, poetic description of the couple’s livelihood activities in pursuit of answers to fix their stale marriage. In essence, the directors manage an exemplary job in displaying enthusiasm and physical gestures of the novel in a classic way. Additionally, production employs sound design that incorporate walls, which separate the couple to remember the novel’s form and depict a visual separation of the couple due to their failed marriage. Imagery comes into play quite efficiently when the couple’s physical tears go down the pages; implying destruction of hope to repair their troubled relationship. Thus, theatre goers agree in unison that Wild Surmise dramatization is among the best in the Australian theatre scene (Dorothy, 2012). Conclusion Dramatization of the Wild Surmise is and does not fall short in depicting the poetic skills of Potter, as well as her lyricism in the text. Additionally the production excels in surmounting the challenges of acclimatizing a verse novel for a theater production. Part B: (i) Reflection I chose to write a review on Potter’s Wild Surmise Dramatized for the simple reason that; dramatization of a novel provides a better way of seeing the context of literary work in the author’s perspective. In addition, I love drama and extensively appreciate Potter’s writing prowess. My stance was inclined to a professional review in the context of a newspaper publication. This review could appear possibly in a newspaper publication suited for a general audience with considerable knowledge of English literature. I wrote this review in analytical logic dissecting the theme of the dramatized novel, as well as its form of language. I focused on the theme of love in the context of the contemporary society’s perception of marriage and the manner in which the novel relates to our cultural values. In particular, relationships commence with great brilliance, but come to fade away in eventuality. However, perseverance is quite evident as lovers resolve to persist in the pursuit for the lost connection that once held them together in harmony. Thus most readers can relate to this review either from their life experience or perception marriage in the contemporary society. In fundamental nature, marriage is a cultural practice emphasized in the society and often persons who are age who disregard become stigmatized downplaying the challenges that come with marriage. For instance, spouses get carried away by their professions and fail to allocate adequate time to their relationship. As responsibilities pile up and the individual careers demand more effort marriage loses value and lack the emphasize it ought to be endowed. This is case of the couple in the text. Apart from my love for drama I chose this piece of work because it has a critical theme that cut across the entire audience. My purpose was to entertain the readership give insight into Potter’s proficient work. References Brad, H. (2009). Writing Reviews for Readers' Advisory. New York. American Library Association. Brigid, L. (2009). Juicy Writing: Inspiration and Techniques for Young Writers. London. Allen & Unwin. Dorothy P. (2012). Wild Surmise. Sydney, Pan Macmillan Australia. John. C & Greg. B (2012). Exit Wounds: One Australian's War On Terror. Melbourne, Melbourne University Publishing. Jose L. G. (2005). Writing literature reviews: a guide for students of the social and behavioral sciences. Michigan Pyrczak publishers. Nick, H. (2012). An Australian general opposes the war: Grand strategic blindness. Exit Wounds: One Australian’s War on Terror John Cantwell with Greg Bearup Melbourne University Press. The Australian Book Review. Retrieved from https://www.australianbookreview.com.au/feature-articles/1292-347-features-hordern Michael, M. (2012) Charles Rosen: Freedom and the Arts. Retrieved from https://www.australianbookreview.com.au/feature-articles/1294-online-extras-morley Read More