REVIEW - ANALYTICAL EXPOSITION

The purpose is to analyse and critically evaluate a book or object or text and to inform and persuade
other readers that the reviewer’s opinion is correct.

Subject matter
The contents of the book that are being reviewed, eg story, illustrations.

Mode
Written

Medium
Newspapers, magazines

Textual features
Generic structure
• Introduction - can be a quote and/or a brief description of the type of book or a significant event
in the story.
• Thesis - reviewer’s opinion/point of view.
• Arguments - supporting evidence.
• Conclusion - restatement or summary of the thesis and a recommendation to other readers.

Vocabulary
Related to the content of the book.
The language used is usually personal because the writer gives personal opinions and advice, eg
disturbing, enjoyable, extremely well written.
The writer may also address the reader, eg We have to let go of animals and even people we might
need.

Grammar
Verb type: Mental, eg realise, relate to
Action, eg when retelling events as part of the plot.
Verb form (Tense): Present tense - watch, is, forms
Past tense is sometimes used when retelling the plot.

Likely functions and associated grammar and vocabulary

Language functions
Describing characteristics

Signals/features
adjectives eg compelling, disastrous, moody, mature.

Other significant features

Is often accompanied by a photograph of the author or the dust jacket of the book, or a photo of the
object being reviewed.

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Book Review - English Year 8

Generic structure
Papio by Victor Kelleher
Deep in the Zambezi valley in Africa, two teenagers watch helplessly as Introduction
more than a hundred of their newfound friends are slaughtered mercilessly description of a
around them. Terrifying as it is, this event forms part of their initiation significant event in
into the real world in Victor Kelleher'’ novel, Papio. Kelleher'’ well- the story.
written story provides compelling yet disturbing reading. Thesis - the story is
well written, compelling
yet disturbing.
Rescuing two baboons from an experimental research station seems easy Argument - supporting
enough for Jem and David but things go hopelessly wrong. The two evidence for the thesis
children are forced to stay with them until the animals can manage on their ie, the story is
own. However, the baboons’ continued dependence prolongs their stay compelling and
disturbing - because of
until they can no longer make the decision when to leave. This indecision
the baboons and
has disastrous results for a whole troop of baboons that they befriend. because of the
Hunted like the animals they are trying to protect, Jem and David realize disastrous results of the
too late that they also have contributed to the brutality they see around rescue.
them.
Although Papio is a teenage adventure story, it deals with many Argument - further
controversial issues in the modern world. These include keeping animals evidence that the story
in captivity, experimentation on animals in the name of science and the is disturbing because it
killing of animals for their own survival. Jem and David find it difficult to deals with issues such
as: animals in captivity,
accept these things as necessary ‘evils’. Through their ordeals they learn to
experimentation on
face up to real life with its mixture of cruelty and kindness. Even in the animals, culling of
animal world predators lurk around every corner. The most difficult lesson animals. It is
the friends learn, however, is that freedom comes at a price. We have to let compelling because the
go of animals and even people we might need or depend on, in order to let children must learn to
them be truly free. face up to real life.
Kelleher has drawn his characters well. Even though there is not much Argument - further
physical description, we gain a clear insight into their personalities and can evidence that the story
relate to them. At the age of fourteen, David Anderson is the older of the is well written -
two. He is an Australian boy who is moody and rebellious. It is David’s Kelleher has drawn his
characters well, ie, their
broken home life which causes him to feel so insecure and confused that he
personalities, physical
looks for a second family among the baboons whom he loves. Jemima is appearance,
the more mature of the two friends, always being called upon for help. She background, changes in
is a tall, lean, dark-skinned American with a mop of frizzy, black hair and, their characters.
unlike David, comes from a large, happy family. She is therefore more
cautious and secure. Her decision to help, though, begins a drastic change
in both their lives that turns their word upside down. They both mature
through the story and are able to return to the site of the slaughter in the
end and to acknowledge their mistakes.
Jem and David are not the only main characters, however. Kelleher Further evidence for the
reveals a very good knowledge of animal behaviour in his portrayal of the thesis - Kelleher reveals
baboons, especially Upi and Papio. These baboons are likeable a very good knowledge
personalities, very human like, and easily arouse our sympathies when they of animal behaviour.
suffer.

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The story is modern and takes place in two remote settings in Africa. The Description of the
children’s families live on an experimental research station near settings.
Livingstone in Zambia. However, most of the action occurs in the dense
jungle along the Zambezi River where the wild animals live. Jem and
David find themselves caught up in the clash between these different
human and animal environments.
Papio is an extremely well-written and believable story. The action is fast- Conclusion -
moving as crises happen in quick succession. As well, there is great Restatement of the
suspense in the hunt and in the anticipated outcome of the plot. The novel thesis (using different
is written from a teenager’s perspective but it relates a learning experience words)
that would appeal to teenagers and adults alike. Such an enjoyable story +
would, in fact, make an excellent movie. Recommendation -
would appeal to
teenagers and adults
alike - would make an
excellent movie.

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