Explanation
Correct answer: C.
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence. This choice correctly uses a semicolon to join a main clause (“Saville...novel”) and a second main clause (“she’s...it”) preceded by supplementary elements (“rather...narrative”).
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, the comma after “novel” can’t be used in this way to join the two main clauses.