Mirabell #4: you have to always bear in mind your potential readers when writing a review. If you're writing about a novel, anyone flicking through a review website would like to learn more about that novel, and whether it's worth buying or borrowing. No one really cares who the reviewer is, or how their brain works, as long as they do their job well. As I've suggested, if you try to turn a humble review into a multi-allusive work of art nobody may have the patience to read it. Do you get a lot of feedback on the Shigekuni website? If you're writing things that interest other people, you will get replies, feedback. I want to read reviews about Sarah Waters, and specifically about "The Little Stranger", so that I know whether to buy or borrow it or not. As simple as that. The most comprehensible and sincere thing you've said, Mirabell, on this thread is that you liked the book. If you build up a reputation as a reliable critic, then you will help your readers and yourself. Colette also says simple things, such as that you had to read two-thirds of the book before you "got into" it. This does mean that a reader needs stamina and devotion to get to the good bit. I too am no student of literature, so that I'm strongly tempted to dump a book if it doesn't grab me after a few dozen pages.