How can one determine the best classic novel?

You can usually check the number of pages in a printed copy. However, this can vary depending on the font size and formatting. Another way is to look for the word count information, which might be available on some literary websites or in the book's metadata if it's an e - book.

The themes of the YA novel play a big role. A great YA novel often has themes that resonate with young adults, like self - discovery, first love, and dealing with family issues. For instance, in 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower', the themes of friendship, mental health, and growing up are explored in a very relatable way, which makes it a strong contender for a great YA novel. Also, the quality of the writing matters. Vivid descriptions, engaging dialogue, and well - developed characters all contribute to making a YA novel one of the best.

Another way is to look at the character development. In 'The Weird of the White Wolf', Elric goes through significant changes. His relationship with the sword and his understanding of his own power evolve. If you enjoy seeing a character grow and change throughout a story, this could be the best Elric novel for you.

Another factor is the depth of the story. 'Lady of the Lake', for instance, has a very deep and complex story. It ties up many loose ends from the previous novels and offers a satisfying conclusion to some of the long - running story arcs. A novel with a well - crafted and profound story is more likely to be considered one of the best.

You can consider the themes that resonate with you the most. If you like stories about self - discovery and the passage of time, 'The Remains of the Day' could be the best Ishiguro novel. Also, how well the writing style grips you matters. 'Never Let Me Go' has a very engaging writing style that keeps you hooked from start to finish, which might make it the best in your eyes.

You need to think about your story's main theme. If it's a coming - of - age story, a structure that shows the character's growth over time, like a chronological or seasonal structure, could be good. Also, look at the number of characters you have. If there are many, a structure that allows for different perspectives, such as the multi - POV (point of view) structure, can be effective. Moreover, your target audience can influence the structure. Younger readers might prefer a more straightforward structure, while more mature readers can handle complex and experimental structures.

It depends on personal taste. If you like stories that focus on a single, overarching cosmic horror like Cthulhu, then 'The Call of Cthulhu' might be the best for you. It's short and packs a punch in terms of creating a sense of the unknown.

One way is to look at similar successful novels in your genre. If most popular novels in your genre are around a certain word count, that can be a good guideline. For example, if you're writing a thriller and most best - selling thrillers are about 90,000 words, you might aim for that.

Look at the genre. As I said before, different genres have different norms. For example, YA novels tend to be on the shorter side, around 50,000 - 80,000 words. Also, consider your story's complexity. If it has a simple plot and few characters, it may not need to be very long.

One way is to look at its longevity. If a novel has been read and loved for decades or even centuries, like 'Don Quixote' which has been around for ages, it's likely a great one. Another factor is the depth of its themes. Novels that explore complex ideas such as human nature, society, or morality deeply, like 'Crime and Punishment' which delves into guilt and redemption, are often among the best.