I am planning a series of fantasy novels which will be told in linear time with relatively small time jumps. One novel in the collection, however must span several generations while keeping the same protagonist.

This novel will need to have several large time jumps and I'm worried about readability. I believe I have 3 options:

1. Linear narrative with large time jumps (Resulting in several large gaps)
2. Linear narrative with much exposition to explain past events (Resulting in roughly 1/3 of novel being exposition or historical conversation)
3. Non-linear narrative

My question is which is generally regarded as easier for the reader to follow?
Also if I missed an option it'd be nice to know of others.