Official Review: Rebellion as Genre in the Novels of Scot...
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Katherine E Wall
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Official Review: Rebellion as Genre in the Novels of Scot...
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Rebellion as Genre in the Novels of Scott, Dickens and Stevenson" by Anna Faktorovich.]
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In Rebellion as Genre in the Novels of Scott, Dickens and Stevenson, the author, Anna Faktorovitch presents a compelling argument for regarding rebellion novels as a unique genre, as opposed to a subgenre of the historical novel.
Beginning with the historical relevance of the time period which spawned the emergence of this form, she argues that although the rebellion novel genre is found at the overlapping junction of the historical novel, political novel, and social novel, it presents with enough established conventions to be considered a genre in its own right. Focusing on the works of three well-known and popular authors of the 19th century, and indeed spanning that century with Scott writing in the early decades, Dickens in the middle decades and Stevenson in the late decades, she systematically builds on her thesis in a thought-provoking and interesting treatise.
Throughout the book, Faktorovitch not only demonstrates solid scholarly approaches, she writes in an engaging style, and the narrative is not hampered by the need to consult endnotes or footnotes. Instead, she writes with clarity and presents any information necessary for the reader to access understanding of the topic, even if they are not well versed in the field. Her citations in the text do not distract from the information presented. Instead, she incorporates them in the sentence structures so the flow is uninterrupted.
For myself, with my interests in both history and literature, particularly of the 19th century, I found the book a must-read component, and I will be purchasing a print-based copy of the book as a companion to my digital copy. Books like this deserve a place of honor on a bookshelf, as well as the ability to return to them for more in-depth reading and as a reference.
While this book, due to its topic, may not appeal to all readers, it should find a strong following in academic circles, where I expect, it will become the base for future critical analysis. It should also appeal to those who are interested in history, particularly the history of rebellion, and of course, those who are interested in literature of this ilk. In addition, I believe it is a valuable asset to writers in the rebellion genre. In fact, due to the overlapping nature of the genres, I think those who are involved in historical, social, and political writing would find this of interest as well.
Of course, when reading any academic treatise, it is important to determine the credibility of the author as well. The work does speak for itself with well-defined arguments, solid scholarship, and logical, as well as captivating narrative. When we factor in Faktorovitch’s credentials as an educator and editor, as well as her eclectic published portfolio, it is no surprise that this book has reached this standard of quality. I look forward to reading more of her work, and I am particularly interested in the book scheduled for release in January of 2014, The Formulas of Popular Fiction: Elements of Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance, Religious and Mystery Novels. I anticipate, if it is as well written as Rebellion as Genre in the Novels of Scott, Dickens and Stevenson, it will also find its way on to my bookcase. In fact, I may have to clear a shelf for this writer’s collected works. I rate this book 4 out of 4. I rarely give a perfect rating to a book, but, in my opinion, this book deserves at least that. I recommend it, without reservation, to anyone interested in this area of study.
***
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Beginning with the historical relevance of the time period which spawned the emergence of this form, she argues that although the rebellion novel genre is found at the overlapping junction of the historical novel, political novel, and social novel, it presents with enough established conventions to be considered a genre in its own right. Focusing on the works of three well-known and popular authors of the 19th century, and indeed spanning that century with Scott writing in the early decades, Dickens in the middle decades and Stevenson in the late decades, she systematically builds on her thesis in a thought-provoking and interesting treatise.
Throughout the book, Faktorovitch not only demonstrates solid scholarly approaches, she writes in an engaging style, and the narrative is not hampered by the need to consult endnotes or footnotes. Instead, she writes with clarity and presents any information necessary for the reader to access understanding of the topic, even if they are not well versed in the field. Her citations in the text do not distract from the information presented. Instead, she incorporates them in the sentence structures so the flow is uninterrupted.
For myself, with my interests in both history and literature, particularly of the 19th century, I found the book a must-read component, and I will be purchasing a print-based copy of the book as a companion to my digital copy. Books like this deserve a place of honor on a bookshelf, as well as the ability to return to them for more in-depth reading and as a reference.
While this book, due to its topic, may not appeal to all readers, it should find a strong following in academic circles, where I expect, it will become the base for future critical analysis. It should also appeal to those who are interested in history, particularly the history of rebellion, and of course, those who are interested in literature of this ilk. In addition, I believe it is a valuable asset to writers in the rebellion genre. In fact, due to the overlapping nature of the genres, I think those who are involved in historical, social, and political writing would find this of interest as well.
Of course, when reading any academic treatise, it is important to determine the credibility of the author as well. The work does speak for itself with well-defined arguments, solid scholarship, and logical, as well as captivating narrative. When we factor in Faktorovitch’s credentials as an educator and editor, as well as her eclectic published portfolio, it is no surprise that this book has reached this standard of quality. I look forward to reading more of her work, and I am particularly interested in the book scheduled for release in January of 2014, The Formulas of Popular Fiction: Elements of Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance, Religious and Mystery Novels. I anticipate, if it is as well written as Rebellion as Genre in the Novels of Scott, Dickens and Stevenson, it will also find its way on to my bookcase. In fact, I may have to clear a shelf for this writer’s collected works. I rate this book 4 out of 4. I rarely give a perfect rating to a book, but, in my opinion, this book deserves at least that. I recommend it, without reservation, to anyone interested in this area of study.
***
Buy "Rebellion as Genre in the Novels of Scott, Dickens and Stevenson" on Amazon
Buy "Rebellion as Genre in the Novels of Scott, Dickens and Stevenson" on Barnes and Noble
"We awaken the muse with the spirit of creativity. We entomb it with the ghoul of self-doubt."
That's right, I have a muse. It is spelled MusE. My writing is influenced by the interactions of people I meet - us and ME.
That's right, I have a muse. It is spelled MusE. My writing is influenced by the interactions of people I meet - us and ME.
Latest Review: "Vietnam Memoirs: Part 1" by Don Bonsper
