Let’s start from the very beginning? What exactly are review essays? They are critical reviews of at least 2 books often read within the same week. But in some cases, works read over different times can also be used if the works can be usefully contrasted.
The aim is to show that the arguments or main points of several readings can be analyzed in a coherent, integrated, and thematic fashion. No additional research or references to outside works is required. The purpose is to just develop writing and analytical skills.
The books read form the raw material on which a coherent and critical argument is to be made. The challenge is to find connections between books reorganizing them and selectively focusing on certain aspects of them. Because rarely ever two books are on the same topic or discuss stuff from the same point of views.
Review essays consist of constant and full dialogue with both authors that preset arguments based on the books chosen. Therefore, imposing the reader’s own intellectual framework on the books is very essential.
Do not just factually poet out what book 1 says and what book 2 says. Rather find a common theme that can run throughout the essay so that while ‘reviewing’ the essay, interpreting is what is taking place. This is an interpretive, exegetical exercise.
One can start by briefly introducing what the authors talk about in general, and then impose some intellectual order on all the information. The reader needs to know at every page what is happening and how it all fits together. A great thumb rule is to pose a question that is intended to be answered after reading and understanding the essay. This streams down the focus of the reader on the main point of the essay using the readings critically for this purpose.
8-10 typed pages Review essays should contain the following
- Title
- The titles of the readings under review.
- Part 1 (about 1-2 pages)
- a question or a theme to be addressed
- the answer to the question or description of the theme
- a road-map for the argument
- Part 2 (about 6 pages)
- introduction of the theme — why is it important?
- a sustained review of the readings, compare and contrast them, as a means to address the chosen question or theme
- the counter arguments for the answer or conclusion
- Part 3 (about 2 pages)
- respond to likely criticisms of the answer or conclusion
- what are the policy implications of the review?
- what further research questions are important to answer?
A few guidelines to follow:
While reading the book:
- Read preface and look for major plot, perspective and takeaway of the story.
- To have a view of the major themes and ideas read the book thoroughly.
- Review main themes and ideas in each chapter and jot it down as each chapter is over.
- Imagine a discussion with the author is going on… note down the questions you want to ask and find out if satisfactory answers exist in the book
While writing the review
- Note that concise statements of the subject matter, problems, or issues are used
- Brief summaries of the major arguments and the manner of conclusion development is discussed
- Explain the books’ strengths and weaknesses
- Explain what each book contributes to one’s knowledge and understanding of History.
Remember:
- Clarity and conciseness of communication
- Definition of difficult or key terms
- Sufficient examples and evidence to support conclusions
- General formatting
- Minimize the use of direct quotations from the books
- Do not simply summarize the books. Understand and review them.
The conclusion of the essay
The final paragraph.. The last way you can make a lasting impression on your reader. Thus, it needs to summarize the whole point of the essay very very concisely as well as have a jist of your opinion on the books reviewed. Finish it by restating your main theme and its precise answer obtained.
When doing a research project and you need to make sense of written works over a longer period of time, review essays come in handy because they thoroughly summarize and analyze the ideas found in the books making your work easier. The essay can be based on any book of your choice and discretion but remember always; think like you’re the reader. What sort of books will you like to have a review on?
By: Masoomi Santosh Nevgi
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