Another aspect is the longevity of the work. If a book has been read and studied for decades or even centuries, like 'Don Quixote' which has been around for a very long time and still relevant today. It has influenced countless other works and its exploration of the human psyche and the power of imagination is timeless.
Look for the ones with a lot of copies on the shelves. Usually, best selling literary fictions will be stocked in large quantities. Also, check for any signs or displays that the bookstore has put up for popular books. Another way is to ask the bookstore staff. They are often well - informed about which literary fictions are selling well.
One of the best is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, class, and social expectations through the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. The characters are well - developed and the story is both charming and thought - provoking.
Look for stories that have a strong sense of a high - tech, dystopian future. For example, if a story features advanced cybernetic implants and a world where corporations have extreme power, it might be a good cyberpunk. Also, the exploration of the relationship between man and machine is key. If it delves into how humans are changing because of technology or how machines are becoming more like humans, it's likely a quality cyberpunk fiction.
One way to identify best literary fiction is by looking at awards. Books that have won prestigious awards like the Pulitzer Prize or the Man Booker Prize are often considered high - quality literary fiction. For example, many of the winners of these awards have complex characters, richly detailed settings, and profound themes.
One way is to see if it has a strong sense of isolation. Many great gothic horror fictions place their characters in isolated situations, like being alone in a big, old house in the middle of nowhere. Another factor is the exploration of the darker side of human nature. Stories that dig deep into themes like madness, obsession, or forbidden desires tend to be good gothic horror. Additionally, the use of symbolism, like the use of blood in vampire stories to represent life and death or decay, can be a sign of a well - crafted gothic horror fiction.
First, look for rich and vivid language. For example, in 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the descriptions of the Puritan setting and Hester's emotions are so detailed and colorful that it gives a poetic touch. Second, a strong use of metaphor and simile is a sign. In 'As I Lay Dying' by William Faulkner, his use of such literary devices is masterful. Also, if the story has a certain rhythm in the prose, like in 'The Sound and the Fury' by Faulkner as well, it can be considered poetic literature fiction.
One way is to look at the author's background. If the author has a degree in history or has spent years studying a particular era, it's likely their work is well - researched. For example, Hilary Mantel, who studied Tudor history. Another way is to check reviews from reliable sources like historical scholars or literary critics. They can point out if the details in the story are accurate and well - sourced. Also, if the book includes a bibliography or references at the end, it's a good sign that the author has done proper research.
One way is to see how well the author uses the first - person to show character growth. In 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath, Esther's first - person account clearly shows her transformation. Another aspect is the authenticity of the voice. A good first - person fiction will make you believe that the character is real and their experiences are genuine. For instance, in 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker, Celie's voice is so raw and real. You can also consider how the first - person view limits or expands the story. In some cases, it can be a very narrow view that still manages to tell a big story, like in 'Notes from Underground' by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Look for well - researched books. If the author has clearly delved deep into the historical period and the life of the subject, it's likely to be good. For example, if it includes details about the cultural, social and political aspects of the time.
You can also look at the influence a novel has had on the genre. Some novels have changed the way the genre is written. For example, 'The Catcher in the Rye' had a huge impact on the coming - of - age genre. It introduced a new kind of protagonist and a unique narrative style. So, by studying the history of a genre and seeing which novels are often cited as important, you can identify some of the best literary genre novels.