This is the book that claims to be “the zero tolerance guide” to punctuation, a call to action to all those who have an “inner stickler”. It is nothing near the former (I guess an overzealous editor took liberties with the truth when writing the back cover text), and while I guess it could serve as the latter, it misses its target there as well, because – as various reviewers have already pointed out – the punctuation in the book occasionally ignores the rules it so praises.

“Eats, Shoots & Leaves” is really more aimless and lighthearted than the cover promises, which is probably why it’s sold so well. It doesn’t require the reader to actually engage much of their brain. It’s a series of ramblings on the topic of punctuation, with each chapter devoted to one punctuation sign. Each chapter generally contains an overview (but a rather cursory one) of rules applicable to that sign, and lots of anecdotes about its history and its use and misuse. All this is mixed with generous amounts of personal musings about the sign’s character, worth and importance. Generally the anecdotes and personal views get more space and attention than the rules – she positively revels in listing cases of apostrophe misuse.

The constant wittiness and jollity was on the border of becoming annoying, but didn’t quite cross that line. However it did overpower the contents – a case of favouring style over substance, definitely. I would have preferred more substance and less prancing around. Even the nuggets of knowledge that were there were spread out without any structure or framework. As a result I can’t remember any of the facts that I found interesting while reading it. An author with real expertise in any of the subjects covered could have done a much better job of presenting the information. A book about the history of punctuation marks could be really interesting – or one about various writers’ idiosyncratic use of punctuation.

The book does succeed in whetting appetites. It definitely brings home the point that punctuation matters and is worth paying attention to – not just by schoolteachers, but by everyone who cares about clear communication or wants their writings to have character and life. But if someone already cares enough to buy the book, do they really need a book to confirm their opinion? It is preaching to the converted and making them feel better about unleashing their “inner stickler”. Well, it might actually be of use as a gift from parents to older children: funny enough to keep them reading, so they might soak up some slight passion for commas without noticing that they’re learning things.

Serves well as light entertainment, but won’t make any lasting impact.