In the Arts section of The Australian, Stephen Romei, Literary Editor Sydney, considers book reviews written by published authors and the literary feuds that can result.

“Annette Marfording offers her own version of John Updike’s five rules for book reviewing. The best book reviews, she says, 1. Contextualise the book under review by referring to the ­author’s previous books, other books on the same subject matter, authors who employ a similar writing style, and/or relevant historical, social, political matters. 2. Give a glimpse only of the plot and under no circumstances give the plot away. 3. Consider the theme of the book and how well the author has brought it across. 4. Consider aspects of ‘good’ writing: structure, character development, voice, appropriateness of point of view, narrative flow, evocation of place and/or period, style/language/use of all senses, quality of dialogue, vivid, telling detail. 5. Provide judicious quotes to illustrate the writing style/language/use of the senses/telling detail.

She says the worst review ‘is where the ­relates the plot in mind-numbing detail. ­Unfortunately many reviewers do just that.’'”

In “Critical mass: literary criticism under the microscope,” The Australian, December 27, 2014.