READ: 02.11.17 - 31.12.17

BOOK: Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory

AUTHOR: Peter Barry

GENRE: Textbook

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The bewildering variety of approaches, theorists and technical language is lucidly and expertly unravelled. Unlike many books which assume certain positions about the critics and the theories they represent, Peter Barry allows readers to develop their own ideas once first principles and concepts have been grasped.

REVIEW: I bought this book after a two-hour panic over applying for university which I don't have to do for another year yet. I decided that I needed to know more about the theory side of studying literature and this seemed like a good place to start.

I really liked reading this book, and it reassured me that studying literature is something I am passionately interested in. It was really interesting to learn about the different types of literary criticisms and actually get a good grasp of what these abstract terms meant.

Peter Barry explains everything in such an accessible and concise way, and I am really glad I have read this.

FINAL VERDICT: An informative, engaging book which has really helped me view literature differently.

RATING: 8/10

(As you might be able to tell, I'm trying to finish all my unfinished books by the end of the year, only two more to go!)