Wednesday, 26 November 2025

Book Review Format and samples

Book Review Format

1. Title of the Book

  • Write the full name of the book.
  • Include the subtitle if there is one.
  • Example: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

2. Author

  • Mention the author’s full name.
  • Optionally, include some background info (nationality, profession, notable works).
  • Example: Harper Lee, an American novelist, is best known for this classic novel on social injustice.

3. Genre/Type

  • Specify the genre: fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, mystery, autobiography, self-help, etc.
  • Example: Fiction / Historical / Adventure / Mystery

4. Summary of the Book

  • Write a brief synopsis of the story or content.
  • Include main characters, setting, and main events.
  • Keep it concise and spoiler-free, unless explicitly required.
  • Example: The novel follows Scout Finch and her brother Jem in a small town in Alabama, exploring themes of racial injustice and moral growth.

5. Analysis / Evaluation

  • Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the book.
  • Topics to cover:
    • Writing style (simple, descriptive, engaging, academic)
    • Plot (well-structured, fast-paced, predictable)
    • Characters (well-developed, relatable, stereotypical)
    • Themes/messages (love, courage, friendship, social issues)
  • Example: Harper Lee’s writing is engaging and vivid, capturing the essence of Southern life. However, some secondary characters feel underdeveloped.

6. Personal Opinion

  • Share your own viewpoint.
  • Mention whether you enjoyed it or not, and why.
  • Example: I found the novel deeply moving and thought-provoking. The portrayal of moral courage left a lasting impression.

7. Recommendation

  • Indicate who would benefit from reading the book.
  • Example: I highly recommend this book to readers interested in social issues and American history.

8. Rating (Optional)

  • Rate the book on a scale of 5 or 10.
  • Example: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Useful Tips for Writing a Book Review

1.      Keep it concise: 250–300 words for school/college, 150–200 for short reviews.

2.      Avoid spoilers unless analysis requires them.

3.      Use clear, simple language: Make it easy for readers to understand your points.

4.      Be honest: Give your real opinion but justify it with examples.

5.      Focus on the book, not just the plot: Discuss themes, style, and message.

6.      Use paragraphs logically: Introduction → Summary → Analysis → Opinion → Recommendation.

7.      Include quotes (optional): Can support your points but keep them brief.

8.      Proofread: Check grammar, spelling, and clarity.

Book Review: The Jungle Book

Title: The Jungle Book
Author: Rudyard Kipling
Volume: 1 (Single Collection of Stories)
Pages: 324 (approx.)
Published Date: 1894
Genre: Adventure / Children’s Literature

The Jungle Book is a timeless collection of stories centered on Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves in the jungles of India. Throughout the tales, Mowgli encounters a variety of animal characters, including Bagheera, the wise black panther, Baloo, the friendly bear, and Shere Khan, the fearsome tiger. The stories follow his adventures, struggles for survival, and the moral lessons he learns from both human and animal worlds. Alongside Mowgli’s narrative, Kipling includes other animal tales that depict the jungle’s laws, emphasizing courage, loyalty, and intelligence as key traits for survival.

Kipling’s narrative style is rich, vivid, and engaging, effectively bringing the Indian jungle to life for readers. Each character is uniquely crafted, making the stories memorable and emotionally impactful. The book’s underlying themes—friendship, bravery, and the struggle between good and evil—offer valuable lessons for readers of all ages. While some cultural and colonial perspectives reflect the period in which it was written, the core messages of the stories remain universally relevant and enduring.

I found The Jungle Book both entertaining and educational. The thrilling adventures, moral lessons, and clever character interactions kept me deeply engaged. Mowgli’s journey from a vulnerable child to a courageous young man is inspiring, and the portrayal of animals as intelligent, morally-guided beings adds depth to the narrative. The combination of adventure and meaningful life lessons makes this book appealing to readers of all ages.

I highly recommend The Jungle Book to children, young adults, and classic literature enthusiasts. It is a story of adventure, courage, and friendship that continues to captivate readers more than a century after its first publication.

Sample 2

Book Review: Muna Madan

Title: Muna Madan
Author: Laxmi Prasad Devkota
Volume: 1
Pages: 48 (approx.)
Published Date: 1936
Genre: Epic / Narrative Poetry

Muna Madan is a poignant narrative poem that tells the tragic love story of Madan, a man who leaves his wife, Muna, to go to Tibet in search of wealth. The poem explores themes of love, sacrifice, social hierarchy, and the fragility of human life. Madan faces hardships during his journey, encountering illness, betrayal, and the harsh realities of labor migration, while Muna remains faithful, waiting patiently for his return. The story reflects the struggles of ordinary people and highlights the importance of human emotions over material wealth.

Devkota’s poetic style is lyrical and deeply evocative, blending simple yet powerful language with rich metaphors. The rhythmic flow of the verses makes it engaging for readers and listeners alike. The characters are portrayed with sensitivity—Muna’s devotion and Madan’s eventual realization of life’s true values create a lasting emotional impact. The poem also emphasizes the transient nature of life and the universality of human suffering, making it relatable across generations.

I found Muna Madan profoundly moving and enlightening. The story’s emotional depth, moral lessons, and Devkota’s expressive language kept me engaged throughout. The poem’s focus on human values and empathy over wealth resonates strongly, making it timeless and culturally significant.

I highly recommend Muna Madan to students, poetry lovers, and anyone interested in Nepali literature. It is a remarkable work that combines literary artistry with a meaningful life lesson, remaining a cornerstone of Nepali literary heritage.

Book Review: Basain

Title: Basain
Author: Lil Bahadur Chettri
Volume: 1
Pages: 256 (approx.)
Published Date: 1957
Genre: Social Novel

Basain vividly depicts the life of rural Nepali farmers struggling under harsh social and economic conditions. The novel follows the lives of villagers who face poverty, exploitation, and social inequality. Driven by the hope of a better life, many are forced to migrate to cities, leaving behind their homes, traditions, and loved ones. Through this narrative, Chettri explores the impact of poverty on family structures, human relationships, and the broader social fabric of rural Nepal. The struggles of ordinary people, their resilience, and the constant fight against adversity form the core of the story.

Chettri’s narrative style is straightforward, clear, and highly compelling. The characters are well-developed and relatable, reflecting the hopes, fears, and challenges of real people. Themes such as perseverance, social injustice, human dignity, and moral courage are woven throughout the novel. The depiction of exploitation and inequality highlights the systemic issues faced by rural communities, while the portrayal of resilience and determination inspires readers. The author’s attention to detail in describing the rural environment and everyday life adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.

I found Basain both enlightening and socially relevant. The novel provides profound insight into rural Nepali life, the hardships of migration, and the perseverance of ordinary people in the face of adversity. Its realistic portrayal of social issues makes it an important work for understanding Nepal’s historical and cultural context.

I highly recommend Basain to students, social activists, and literature enthusiasts. It is a powerful story of human endurance, moral strength, and the quest for a better life, making it a timeless piece of Nepali literature.


3. Book Review: Shirishko Phool

Title: Shirishko Phool
Author: Parijat
Volume: 1
Pages: 180 (approx.)
Published Date: 1965
Genre: Psychological Novel

Shirishko Phool is a modern Nepali novel that delves into themes of love, loneliness, and existential struggle. The story revolves around Suyog, a young man navigating complex relationships, inner conflicts, and societal pressures. Through his journey, Parijat explores the emotional vulnerabilities and desires of human beings, highlighting the tensions between personal fulfillment and societal expectations. The narrative also addresses themes of alienation, moral dilemmas, and the search for meaning in urban life, making it a deeply philosophical work.

Parijat’s writing style is poetic, symbolic, and highly introspective, allowing readers to engage with the psychological depth of the characters. The prose is layered, often reflecting the internal turmoil of Suyog, while other characters also reveal diverse emotional and moral complexities. This creates a psychologically rich and realistic narrative, engaging readers intellectually and emotionally. The novel’s symbolic elements, particularly the titular Shirish flower, add depth and allow readers to reflect on life, beauty, and impermanence.

I found Shirishko Phool intense, thought-provoking, and intellectually stimulating. The novel challenges readers to examine human emotions, ethical choices, and the consequences of isolation and societal pressures. Parijat’s work remains a landmark in modern Nepali literature, blending psychological insight with literary artistry.

I highly recommend Shirishko Phool to students, literature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in psychological novels. Its exploration of human vulnerability, emotional complexity, and existential questions makes it a timeless and significant contribution to Nepali literary heritage.


4. Book Review: Ghumne Mechmathi Andho Manche

Title: Ghumne Mechmathi Andho Manche
Author: Bhupi Sherchan
Volume: 1
Pages: 120 (approx.)
Published Date: 1969
Genre: Poetry / Social Commentary

Ghumne Mechmathi Andho Manche is a remarkable collection of poems that reflects social realities, political struggles, and the enduring human spirit. Bhupi Sherchan, a pioneering modern Nepali poet, skillfully combines modernist literary techniques with strong social commentary, addressing issues such as inequality, injustice, oppression, and human resilience. The poems examine the conditions of Nepali society, shedding light on the challenges faced by ordinary people while also exploring the moral and ethical dimensions of human behavior.

Sherchan’s language is both direct and poetic, creating a powerful balance between clarity and literary artistry. His vivid imagery and symbolic expressions allow readers to connect emotionally with the themes, making the collection both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The poems are thought-provoking and socially conscious, capturing the struggles of individuals and communities while inspiring reflection on societal transformation.

I found Ghumne Mechmathi Andho Manche highly impactful and intellectually engaging. The collection’s fusion of poetic brilliance with a profound social message makes it stand out in the landscape of Nepali modern literature. The work demonstrates Sherchan’s exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas through concise yet evocative language, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

I highly recommend this collection to poetry enthusiasts, students, and readers interested in socially conscious literature. Its exploration of injustice, human resilience, and political realities makes it a milestone in Nepali modern poetry, offering both literary enjoyment and insight into the socio-political context of its time.


5. Book Review: Seto Bagh

Title: Seto Bagh
Author: Diamond Shumsher Rana
Volume: 1
Pages: 312 (approx.)
Published Date: 1970
Genre: Historical Novel

Seto Bagh is a historical novel that vividly portrays the turbulent period of the Rana regime in Nepal. The story delves into the intricate power struggles, loyalty, betrayal, and socio-political dynamics of the time. Diamond Shumsher Rana skillfully blends historical facts with fictionalized storytelling, creating an immersive narrative that brings Nepal’s past to life. Through the experiences of his characters, the novel explores both personal conflicts and political intrigue, highlighting the complexities of human ambition, morality, and manipulation.

The narrative is detailed and engaging, with carefully crafted characters who embody the ambitions, fears, and ethical dilemmas of their era. Rana’s writing style allows readers to visualize the historical setting, understand the motivations behind political decisions, and empathize with individuals navigating the challenges of power and authority. Themes of ambition, ethical compromise, and political maneuvering run throughout the novel, making it both educational and captivating.

I found Seto Bagh historically enlightening and intellectually engaging. The book provides a nuanced understanding of Nepal’s Rana period, highlighting not only political events but also their impact on human lives. The interplay between historical accuracy and fictional storytelling makes it compelling for readers interested in history, literature, and social dynamics.

I highly recommend Seto Bagh to history enthusiasts, students, and readers who enjoy political drama. Its rich depiction of historical events, combined with strong character development and moral complexity, makes it a significant contribution to Nepali literature and a timeless work for understanding Nepal’s past.

 

 

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