This review is as much an opinion piece as it is a reflection on the book itself. I’ve noticed a growing trend on Bookstagram where readers frequently mention DNF’ing (Did Not Finish) books. I’ve always struggled with this concept—and here’s why.
There are plenty of books that hook me from the first page. When that happens, I read every spare moment I can find, often binge-reading the last quarter because I simply can’t wait another minute to know how it ends.
But on the other end of the spectrum, there are books—Gravesend Light is a perfect example—that I struggle to get into. I find myself setting them aside for days, sometimes picking up another book instead. There are many reasons this happens.
For Gravesend Light, part of my challenge was the narrative style. The story alternates between two main characters, and it took me time to settle into the rhythm of switching perspectives. That said, the author did a phenomenal job introducing the characters and offering meaningful insight into each point of view.
I’ll also admit I struggled with the intellectual weight of the writing. David Payne uses big, uncommon words—words I wasn’t familiar with. This slowed me down. I found myself needing to let certain phrases marinate in my brain or pause to look up definitions. Sometimes, I even berated myself for not knowing them, then promised I’d start expanding my vocabulary… soon.
Coming from western North Carolina, I grew up surrounded by Appalachian speech, accents, and vernacular. I use some of it myself. This book, however, is written with the hoi toide accent of the Outer Banks natives, which added another layer of challenge.
The novel also touches on sensitive topics, including abortion, religion, and homosexuality, which may be difficult for some readers.
But yes—I did finish the book. It took me nearly a month, often becoming what I call a “treadmill book.” A treadmill book is one I’m struggling to get through, so I take it with me while walking on the treadmill—killing two birds with one stone. It distracts me from the monotony of exercise while helping me stay focused and make progress with the book.
So why didn’t I DNF it? Here’s why:
I paid good money for this book at an indie bookstore during my recent trip to the Outer Banks.
The blurb on the cover genuinely spoke to me.
Even with my inexperience, I recognized it was a well written book.
I’ve learned from experience that the books that challenge me, the ones that take longer to finish, often become my most memorable—and meaningful—reads. When I read through a book quickly, it usually means I love the story. But in 2 weeks or 2 months or 2 years I likely won’t remember the details—the plot, the characters, the lessons. Gravesend Light was different. David Payne slowed me down. He allowed me the time to truly know his characters. I built a relationship with them. I was magically transported into his story. I became immersed. I was a shipmate, a doctor, an ethnographer. I felt things unfamiliar to me. I questioned my beliefs. I gained insight into a way of living completely different from my own.
And this isn’t the first time it’s happened. Not long ago, someone in my book club chose a historical fiction novel about a Jewish family during World War II. I wanted to DNF it so many times—it became a treadmill book, too. But I stuck with it. I finished. And in the end, I was changed. I thought I understood the suffering of Jewish people during that time, but I had never felt it so deeply.
The point of this post (besides being a review for the book) isn’t to tell anyone not to DNF. Life is short. There are more books than time, and no one should feel guilty for choosing what serves them best.
But… the next time you’re tempted to DNF, maybe pause. Ask yourself why. Consider giving the book a chance—on the treadmill, with a daily page goal, or alongside an easier read. You never know. That difficult book might just change your life in ways you never expected.