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Is it a Good Review Because it's Favourable?

28/3/2011

2 Comments

 
I have to ask this question because I've just received a very favourable one but it also happens, I think, to be a good example of the art.

Although during the time that Head Count was on Authonomy, I received some really nice reviews, only a very few people managed to read it all the way through.  The ones who did were, it has to be said, pretty fulsome and, in fact I have had good Amazon feedback and personal feedback from readers that has been extremely gratifying.
However, it wasn't until I sent my story to Suzannah Burke that I realised what a "proper" review should read like.  She has the style and nature of reviewing down perfectly. There is the briefest of synopses; a sound and not over-wordy introduction to the characters and themes and, some very kind observations on style and technique.  Most importantly from my point of view, she possesses a great knack for saying just enough to get folks interested but not so much that the game is given away.

I suppose I hadn't realised how mannered the art of book reviewing at its best really is.  A few more like this and I'd be a very happy man indeed.
Suzannah's weblog can be found at:
http://sooozsaysstuff.blogspot.com/
2 Comments
JACQUELINE CHRISTENSEN
30/3/2011 08:54:57 am

Do NOT begin Head Count if one has other commitments. Once I began reading, I COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN. Russell, if, I had mastered the skilled art of writing a review, I would do so. Because Head Count is absolutely one of the best psychological thrillers I've read.

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Diane Dickson link
30/3/2011 07:20:24 pm

Hello - I have a problem with complimentary reviews and that is that I have trouble believing them. I know writers quite often suffer from self doubt but authonomy feeds that in some ways because some of the work is quite simply not worthy of the positive reviews. I don't think that there is an answer to this except perhaps sales of your book in the millions :-) I am very tempted now to read your book. - Diane

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