Hi Betsy. I see you gave us three to choose from, and yes, I have to think of the classics for the very fact that their longevity speaks to their strengths as a novel. Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice for its social commentary and wit, and, The Count of Monte Cristo still ranks as the best revenge, by Alexander Dumas. I think that fulfills my options for choosing three books. **There are so many favorites**but your parameter was "best ever written" so I'm trying to stay with that. And now, I'm sure I'll think of a dozen more!