That being said, it is equally foolish to DNF a novel without giving it a proper chance. Novels are expensive. If you must DNF a novel, make sure it is truly deserving of that particular fate. In the past, publishers and editors would lecture authors on the importance of starting a novel on the right foot.
You had to hook readers with the first chapter. Otherwise, your novel would never gain traction. Most fantasy fiction readers I have encountered disagree with that sentiment.
They understand that stories are works of art that have to develop slowly and steadily, creating a solid foundation with well-defined characters before they finally deliver the action and excitement.
In fact, most of us do not care for novels that start with action scenes. Action is only exciting when you know and care for the individuals involved. The people you meet in the first chapter of a novel are strangers. You don’t care about what happens to them in a fight, which is why most action scenes at the start of a novel are a waste of time.
That brings us back to the question I asked above. If the average reader is expected to give each novel a fair shot before dumping it, and most novels have slow starts, when is the right time to DNF a novel?
How many pages do you have to read to determine whether or not a particular book is right for you? My recommendation is 100 pages.
Yes, that is a lot. But a lot can change in 100 pages. Characters you did not care for could suddenly sink their claws into your heart, forcing you to empathize with their cause and ultimately enhancing your interest.
Plots that seemed nonsensical can start making sense as all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. A dozen twists and turns could occur in those 100 pages, changing your entire perception of the author’s literary objective.
What if you can’t hold on? What if the novel is so boring that you can barely keep your eyes open? Well, take a break. Rather than blaming the novel, consider the possibility that you are not in the right mood to read.
Wait a day or two, and then give the novel another opportunity. Keep pushing. If you reach that 100-page mark and you still don’t care, dump the book.
I can only think of one exception that would excuse abandoning a novel after a few pages, and that is an author with a writing style you hate. A novel can get better after a few chapters. But if you hate the writing style, your opinion on the issue is unlikely to change.
To be clear, I still believe that readers shouldn’t be afraid to DNF novels at any time for any reason, even after one page. But if you don’t want to miss out on great novels with slow starts, I encourage you to adopt the 100-page rule.
katmic200@gmail.com
