The Current State of Book Reviews in India
From the past few years, news portals prioritise celebrity gossip, political drama, crime and OTT releases. Understandably, some of these topics are a ‘must-know’ for the average Indian citizen. Yet we cannot forget that in this trend we have lost something vital to the mental and emotional development of society: the serious book review. Once, they were an integral part of weekend supplements and cultural pages; now, they are hardly seen in mainstream media.
Serious Book Review refers to a critical analysis of a book including an evaluation of its themes, ideas, strengths and weaknesses, it relates the book to literary, societal or historical context, and it is an honest critique of the work, recognising its flaws and strengths.
Books are not just a means of communication; they are also a means through which a people are able to convey their culture, their thoughts and experiences to the world. Thus, they raise awareness and foster involvement in societal challenges. So, this decline of serious book reviews raises a question: What does it mean for a culture when books no longer make the news?
Reasons behind the disappearance of serious book reviews
One of the primary reasons behind the disappearance of the serious book review is the prioritisation of ‘clicks’ over culture. Essentially, newsrooms now chase quantity and not quality. after the pandemic, we have switched to an online form of journalism, which runs on SEO, virality and speed. Books, as stated by publishers and editors, do not attract as much traffic as ‘scandals’ such as celebrity gossip, film trailers or political commentary do.
Another factor is the shrinking of dedicated arts and culture sections. Many newspapers and digital platforms have reduced or eliminated spaces previously reserved for thoughtful literary critique. What remains is often superficial content: listicles, sponsored articles, or social media posts, which prioritize appearance and brevity over analysis. Platforms such as Bookstagram or BookTok, while popular, rarely provide the depth or context that traditional reviews offered.
Finally, economic and structural pressures have also contributed. Maintaining a serious review section requires time, editorial oversight, and expert reviewers — resources many outlets no longer allocate. Without institutional support, thoughtful criticism struggles to survive in a media ecosystem driven by speed, virality, and monetization.
Why The Decline of Book Reviews Matter for Society
The decline of serious book reviews is more than a cultural loss; it has societal consequences. Reviews provide guidance for readers navigating a vast literary landscape, helping them choose works that inform, challenge, and expand their perspectives. They also sustain literary culture by giving visibility to authors who may not be commercial bestsellers but whose work contributes meaningfully to public discourse.
Without critical discussion, books risk becoming disposable commodities rather than vessels of culture and thought. When the media stops engaging with literature seriously, society loses a space for reflection, empathy, and intellectual growth.
Role of Independent Publications, Literary Journals and Readers in Sustaining Thoughtful Criticism
Reviving serious book reviewing requires coordinated effort:
- Newsrooms must treat literary content as valuable, not marginal. Allocating space and resources for thoughtful critique signals the importance of culture alongside entertainment and news.
- Independent publications and literary journals should be supported and amplified, as they often provide some of the most rigorous reviews.
- Publishers and authors can encourage genuine criticism rather than promotional content disguised as a review.
- Readers also have a role: by engaging with, sharing, and valuing in-depth criticism, they create demand that sustains serious reviewing.
Books are mirrors of society; they capture our struggles, aspirations, and our imagination. Serious reviews are the lenses through which we are able to examine these mirrors, reflecting back insights that shape our collective consciousness. When serious literary criticism disappears from mainstream media, we risk losing both the awareness of literature and a vital space for thought, reflection, and dialogue.
Conclusion
In an age where we are provided instant, engaging content, the decline of serious book reviews is not just a cultural shift; it is a quiet erosion of our capacity to think deeply. Everyone, including Newsrooms, Publishers, Authors and readers, must recognise that literary criticism is essential for intellectual growth and cultural engagement.
To revive the serious book review in India is to defend literature and the space in which society reflects, grows and questions. at the end of the day, the decline of books reviews is a symptom of a larger cultural challenge, and changing it requires constant, conscious effort from everybody.
