What is Considered the Greatest Novel Ever Written? Discover the Timeless Masterpiece

Defining the Greatest Novel: A Personal and Cultural Journey

Well, this is a question that often sparks intense debates among readers, critics, and even casual book lovers: What is the greatest novel ever written? Honestly, the answer isn’t so simple. I mean, we all have our favorites, right? Some swear by Moby Dick, others by War and Peace, and then there's Don Quixote. But is there really one definitive answer to this question? After thinking about it for a while and chatting with friends who share a love for literature, I’ve come to the conclusion that while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, certain novels consistently rise to the top.

Why this question is so hard to answer

When I asked my friend Mark about this, he immediately mentioned Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky. His eyes lit up as he spoke about it, but then we both realized, that doesn’t mean it’s universally agreed upon. What makes a novel the "greatest"? Is it the depth of its characters? Its impact on society? The way it makes you feel like you’re living the story? The criteria are endless, but let’s take a look at a few top contenders.

The Top Contenders for the Greatest Novel

1. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

So, let’s start with Don Quixote. I honestly can't ignore how it seems to have shaped Western literature. Written in the early 17th century, this Spanish masterpiece has been hailed as the first modern novel. The narrative style, the complex characters, and the blend of comedy and tragedy made it revolutionary for its time.

Why Don Quixote?

Well, when I read Don Quixote (and I’ll admit, it took me a couple of tries before I really got into it), I realized that it's not just about a man who believes he’s a knight. It's about the absurdity of life, the tension between reality and idealism, and it speaks to anyone who has ever dared to dream big. The depth of Don Quixote’s delusions mixed with his unwavering nobility is tragic yet beautiful.

2. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Then, of course, there's War and Peace. This is a monster of a novel, and honestly, I thought it would be dry and boring. But when I finally picked it up, I was blown away by how immersive and emotional it was. Tolstoy's epic captures the lives of various Russian aristocrats during the Napoleonic wars, and he weaves personal struggles with global history. It’s a novel about war, love, friendship, and the inevitability of change.

Why War and Peace?

When I talked to my friend Emily about it, she said War and Peace felt like an emotional rollercoaster. The way Tolstoy shows the internal conflicts of each character while placing them in the grand historical context... it's incredibly powerful. It makes you think about how personal decisions can shape the world. It’s heavy, but in the best possible way. Still, some people might argue it’s too long, but hey, isn’t that part of its epic charm?

3. Moby Dick by Herman Melville

And then we have Moby Dick. This one... well, it’s a bit of a love-hate relationship for most readers. I personally struggled with it the first time I tried reading it—there are just so many chapters about whales, whaling, and maritime life. But when you push through, Moby Dick becomes this haunting meditation on obsession, nature, and humanity’s place in the universe.

Why Moby Dick?

I remember talking to my dad about it once (he’s a huge fan of classic literature) and he told me that Moby Dick is the type of book you have to experience rather than just read. It’s this larger-than-life narrative about Captain Ahab’s obsession with the white whale, and it represents so much more. It's an exploration of revenge, fate, and the human condition. Honestly, it’s challenging, but that’s part of what makes it stand out.

What Makes a Novel the "Greatest"?

1. Cultural Impact

Honestly, when I think about the "greatest novel," it isn’t just about literary merit. It’s also about how a book affects culture. Some novels, like 1984 by George Orwell or To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, continue to influence society today. They resonate far beyond their pages.

How does a novel change the world?

I once had a conversation with a colleague, Sarah, who said that the cultural relevance of a novel is just as important as its narrative structure. 1984, for instance, is quoted frequently in discussions about politics and surveillance, and its warnings feel as relevant now as when it was written.

2. Timeless Characters and Themes

Another thing that makes a novel great is its characters. A truly great novel will introduce you to people who feel like they could be real. Whether it’s the tragic flaw of Hamlet or the complex duality of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, characters like these stay with you long after you’ve closed the book.

How does a novel create timeless characters?

Take Pride and Prejudice, for instance. I mean, who doesn’t love Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy? The themes of love, marriage, and social class are still incredibly relevant today. When I first read it in college, I was surprised by how modern and sharp the commentary felt, even though it was written in the 19th century.

Conclusion: What Is the Greatest Novel Ever Written?

Honestly, I don’t think there’s a definitive answer to the question of what is the greatest novel ever written. Different people will tell you different stories based on their personal experiences, tastes, and the impact a book had on them. But if we’re talking about lasting influence, cultural relevance, and literary merit, novels like Don Quixote, War and Peace, and Moby Dick undoubtedly stand as contenders.

So, what do you think? Do you agree with these choices, or is there another novel you believe deserves the title? At the end of the day, the greatest novel is the one that makes you think, makes you feel, and leaves you forever changed.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.