Exactly that. Or you leave the original holy water from Lourdes in it so long if forms more algae than Lough Neagh!

When it’s an established author, a reviewer should take the book on its own merits, appreciate the good but don’t be afraid to point out its flaws. Unless the book is truly awful from beginning to end, then it’s no holds barred!

Indeed! I’d also add that sometimes grammar can be sacrificed if you’re conveying an idea. I understood the peaks were the starlings’ not the birches’, and opaqueness isn’t just about not being transparent.

Bestsellers often divide critics into overly fawning or aggressively negative.

I once read a review of a book I worked on which was so caustic it had me laughing out loud, mainly because I agreed with every word.

It was a truly awful book and a very funny review.

Ouch.

Congratulations to the brilliant @timsullivanauthor.bsky.social - couldn’t happen to a nicer author.

And I guess The Cure wasn’t referring to the old lady in Saval who could rid of said shingles.

I believe the Irish Tea Sock has made a statement on this matter, but thank you for bringing it to wider attention.

My tea has now run out and I'll be implementing the third element of the International Tea Protocol.

Given Sir Michael has been quoted in earnest by media sources in the UK, I’d say it’s not just non-UkBlueskyers who don’t get the joke. Makes it all the funnier though! 😁

Oh that’s very cool!!

Don't they know we have enough to cope with??!

Amazing review!! 😃👏👏

Brilliant review! 😘