Let this page serve as the index and guide for the series of book reviews I plan to write. I will cover pretty much any kind of literature I chew through – I might even have a go at (auto)biographical works, though they will likely be less relevant. At least in the context I’m reviewing in.
It is my ambition to judge the books on three different scales. All scales will have 5 steps ranging from unacceptable to commendable. I shall have to find symbols for the three scales, so I can hand out something like other reviewers hand out stars, hats or other gimmicks. I don’t have them yet, but they will be added to this post, when I acquire something of use. The three scales will cover as follows:
- Story/plot: This is unrelated to isms, and is closer to a standard review. A book can be full of racial slurs for instance and still have a well thought-out plot, the two are unrelated. Of course, I will find considerably less enjoyment from reading a book that stomps all over a marginalised group, than from one that respects everyone. This is why I will not work in overall marks. I have always found overall marks useless anyway, it is the break-down of the marking that is interesting. I am including this story/plot scale for the sake of those, who are less picky about what they read, as well as for inviting discussion. My judgment of the story itself will focus mainly on standard things such as imagery, the flow of the language, quality of dialogue, excessive use of Deus Ex Machina and other ridiculous plothooks. In short, this scale will only speak to my assessment of the literary qualities of the book.
- Isms: This assessment will cover how well the book includes and respects marginalised groups. In fiction taking place in our world (in present day or in a historical setting) there are certain facts of life/history one must adhere to, so in some books not everyone will be represented of course. In fantasy and sci-fi, however, the author has the omnipotence to create exactly the world they desire. This is unique for speculative fiction, and I will probably judge rather harshly those, who have given none other than the white, het, able-bodied, young male a thought. This is in regards to the readership, because as opposed to popular assumption, there are in fact many readers out here, who do not possess one or more of the aforementioned traits. Depictions of eg. sexism or racism will not necessarily be frowned upon, as isms can very well be a realism-inducing part of a fictional society, but then there better be a sense of disapproval of said isms in the text, or at least it better not be applauded and glorified. How the author has handled a range of isms (whichever are relevant to their particular book) will determine the placement on this scale.
- Characters: This intertwines partly with the second scale, but I shall endeavour to keep them separate. While the above scale will grade the presence and depiction of isms in the setting overall, this scale will focus on the characters. Are there only male main characters? Or are there females as well? Are characters of colour represented as savages? Or are cultures and peoples equally sophisticated (though perhaps in different ways)? Are all female characters depicted as indecisive emotional wrecks or conniving witches? Or do they actually have real personalities raher than just the “tomboy-interchangeable-with-any-other-tomboy-in-any-other-book”. I will not mind the use of archetypes or even stereotypes if the characterization is realistic, because people who fit the stereotypes do exist, but if, say, all characters of colour are stereotypes with no individual personalities, then the grade will be lowered considerably. If all of them have deep and convincing personalities, then it’s okay if one of those personalities fits the stereotype.
This will be the template for the reviews, and hopefully I can live up to my own ambitions. Below will be a list of books I am going to review, and as the reviews go online, links will be added to their titles.
Book reviews:
Coming book reviews:
- George RR Martin – A Game of Thrones
- Anselm Audley – The Aquasilva Trilogy
- Emma Donoghue – The Woman Who Gave Birth To Rabbits
- Hal Duncan – Vellum
- Steven Erikson – Gardens of the Moon
- Michael Swanwick – The Iron-Dragon’s Daughter
- Assorted Forgotten Realms books (yes, I’ve read plenty of those as well, shoot me)
- Raymond Feist – Magician
