What Makes a Great Book Truly Unforgettable?

The four essential ingredients for crafting an exceptional book (PLUS: some secret sauce)

A great novel can be a subjective concept, as different readers have different preferences and tastes. However, there are certain qualities and elements that are often associated with great novels. Here are four enduring characteristics that contribute to the greatness of a novel:

Compelling characters, engaging story, immersive setting, and evocative writing style.

1. Compelling Characters that Stay with You

Well-developed, memorable characters are crucial in a great novel. Readers should feel a connection to the characters and have a sense of empathy or interest in their lives. Strong character development involves giving them depth, complexity, and growth throughout the story.

2. Engaging Plot that Keeps Readers Hooked

Compelling storytelling: a great novel captivates readers with a well-crafted and engaging story. It hooks the readers from the beginning and keeps them invested throughout the book. The plot should have twists, turns, and tension that maintain the reader's interest.

3. Immersive Setting that Transports Readers to Another World

Relevance and universality - a novel that resonates with readers across diverse cultures, time periods, or backgrounds can be considered great. It explores universal themes and emotions that transcend specific contexts and speak to the human experience on a broader level.

4. Evocative Writing Style that Captivates the Imagination

Evocative language: the language used in a great novel is often beautifully crafted and vibrant. Skilled writers use descriptive and vivid language to paint images in the reader's mind, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. The prose can be lyrical, poetic, or concise, depending on the author's style.

Yet these are only the headline elements. There are others - the secret sauces: intangible qualities that elevate novels from just good to timelessly great.

Thought-provoking themes: great novels often explore meaningful themes that resonate with readers and provoke thought. These themes can be social, philosophical, psychological, or moral in nature. They provide depth to the story and offer insights into the human condition or society.

Originality and innovation: While there are many recurring themes and plot structures in literature, a great novel often brings something fresh and original to the table. It may introduce unique perspectives, innovative storytelling techniques, or unconventional narrative structures that challenge the reader's expectations.

Pacing and structure: A well-paced novel maintains a balance between action, description, and dialogue. It keeps the story moving forward without feeling rushed or dragging. A great novel also has a well-thought-out structure, with clear arcs and a satisfying resolution.

Not all “great” novels will possess each of these qualities to the same extent. Different novels excel in different areas, and what makes a novel great can vary from reader to reader

Ultimately, a great novel is one that leaves a lasting impression and resonates deeply with its audience.

Geoff Poundes is a professional developmental editor, specialising in non-fiction and in particular business, sport and history, biography and memoir. Go to www.geoffpoundeseditor.co.uk to find out more.