Few and a few

Anonymous Hello, I would like to ask whether this sentence is correct. If not, please explain why. 'Only a few critics appreciated the novelist's innovative style while he was still alive.'Thanks in advance

It's correct.

Although it appears to be correct, grammatically, it must be confusing for some readers.
The problem lies in the mix of negative and positive words within it. Only, few, critics - negatives; appreciated & innovative style - positives. It's a pity we picked the word 'critic' when often their product is complimentary.
There was little appreciation for... works better for me.

"Critics" in this case isn't a negative word, it's a job title, i.e. someone who is paid to critique a work.

I must be imagining it then, but I've always thought the title described the occupation. He's a critic. (Does that sound positive?) Does one not use critical more frequently in a negative sense?

wilpeter Does one not use critical more frequently in a negative sense?

It depends on the context, but in any case we are dealing with the noun here.

wilpeterAlthough it appears to be correct, grammatically, it must be confusing for some readers.The problem lies in the mix of negative and positive words within it. Only, few, critics - negatives; appreciated & innovative style - positives. It's a pity we picked the word 'critic' when often their product is complimentary.There was little appreciation for... works better