For book reviewers for literary fiction, they must have a broad knowledge of different literary periods and styles. This allows them to place the book they are reviewing in a proper context. Attention to detail is important as literary fiction often has subtleties in the writing. They also need to be open - minded, as they will encounter a wide range of ideas and themes in the books. And of course, they should have the ability to meet deadlines if they are working for a publication that has a schedule for reviews.
Book reviewers for literary fiction need to possess several qualities. Firstly, they should have a strong sense of literary aesthetics. This means they can appreciate the beauty and artistry in the writing. They also need to be patient readers, as literary fiction can be complex and require careful reading. Empathy is another quality, as they need to understand the characters and the emotions the author is trying to convey. Additionally, they should be able to communicate their insights effectively, whether it's to a general audience or a more specialized group of readers.