Bibliography
If you are reading literary criticism or background materials related to the novel - make a full bibliographic record of every source. In the case of books, you should record - Author, Book Title, Publisher, Place of publication, Date, Page number.
If you borrow the book from a library, make a full note of its number in the library's classification system. This will save you time if you need to take it out again at a later date.
In the case of Internet and other digital sources (CDs, websites, videos) you need to look at our guidance notes on referencing digital sources.
Maps and diagrams
Some people have good 'visual' memories. A diagram or map may help you to remember or conceptualise the 'geography' of events.
Chapter summaries
Many novels are structured in chapters. After reading each chapter, make a one sentence summary of what it's about. This can help you remember the events at a later date. The summary might be what 'happens' in an obvious sense (Mr X travels to London) but it might be something internal or psychological (Susan realises she is 'alone').
Deciding what is most important will help you to digest and remember the content of the novel.
Making links
Events or characters may have significant links between them, even though these are revealed many pages apart. Always make a note as soon as you see them - because they will be very hard to find later.
Use a dictionary
Some novelists like to use unusual, obscure, or even foreign words. Take the trouble to look these up in a good dictionary. It will help you to understand the story and the author, and it will help to extend the range of your own vocabulary. If you need help choosing a good dictionary for studying, have a look at our guidance notes on the subject.