It is July 1962. Edward and Florence, young innocents married that morning, arrive at a hotel on the Dorset coast. At dinner in their rooms they struggle to suppress their private fears of the wedding night to come...
On Chesil Beach
and over 1.5 million other books are available for Amazon Kindle . Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Learn more. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.
Product Description
Review
"McEwan's brilliance as a novelist lies in his ability to isolate discrete moments in life and invest them with incredible significance"--Observer
"McEwan's style is lean and clear... every sentence feels carefully crafted, the words all perfectly in place"--Daily Mail
"A fine book, homing in with devastating precision on a kind of Englishness which McEwan understands better than any other living writer, the Englishness of deceit, evasion, repression and regret. In On Chesil Beach McEwan has combined the intensity of his narrowly focused early work with his more expansive later flowered to devastating effect"--Independent on Sunday
"McEwan's style is lean and clear... every sentence feels carefully crafted, the words all perfectly in place"--Daily Mail
"A fine book, homing in with devastating precision on a kind of Englishness which McEwan understands better than any other living writer, the Englishness of deceit, evasion, repression and regret. In On Chesil Beach McEwan has combined the intensity of his narrowly focused early work with his more expansive later flowered to devastating effect"--Independent on Sunday
Book Description
The Sunday Times bestseller.
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
77 of 82 people found the following review helpful
By Suzie
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This short book is a sensitive exploration of the consequences of thoughts not spoken and actions that are misunderstood. The fears and uncertainties at the centre of the novella might seem incomprehensible to younger readers, although deep down they may be as prevalent today as they were in the '50s and '60s.
As with all good short stories, the book is a snapshot of a few hours in the lives of its main characters, Florence and Edward. interspersed with flashbacks into their pasts, and how they met and fell in love. The writer alternates between viewpoints, so that the reader is privy to the build-up of misinterpretations that leads inexorably to the denouement. Such is Ian McEwan's skill as a writer that, despite so short an acquaintance with the young lovers, I really felt for them, and longed for something to release them from their tongue-tied misery and guide them to a happier conclusion.
McEwan is a master of the English language. His prose flows through the feelings and uncertainties of his characters, capturing every nuance of sensitivity. My only criticism is the last chapter. The book would perhaps have been stronger if the ending had been left in the air. The frenetic rush through another forty years left a feeling of breathlessness, although it did serve to underline the futility and waste that was all too avoidable - the hints and opportunities were there, but Florence and Edward were too young and naïve to realise their importance or the implications of ignoring them.
What remains after finishing the book is a sense of sadness and loss, but this is no deterrent to reading it. I loved it. Buy it and see what you think. Just don't expect a punchy story. Instead be prepared for a feast of sensitivities and emotions.
As with all good short stories, the book is a snapshot of a few hours in the lives of its main characters, Florence and Edward. interspersed with flashbacks into their pasts, and how they met and fell in love. The writer alternates between viewpoints, so that the reader is privy to the build-up of misinterpretations that leads inexorably to the denouement. Such is Ian McEwan's skill as a writer that, despite so short an acquaintance with the young lovers, I really felt for them, and longed for something to release them from their tongue-tied misery and guide them to a happier conclusion.
McEwan is a master of the English language. His prose flows through the feelings and uncertainties of his characters, capturing every nuance of sensitivity. My only criticism is the last chapter. The book would perhaps have been stronger if the ending had been left in the air. The frenetic rush through another forty years left a feeling of breathlessness, although it did serve to underline the futility and waste that was all too avoidable - the hints and opportunities were there, but Florence and Edward were too young and naïve to realise their importance or the implications of ignoring them.
What remains after finishing the book is a sense of sadness and loss, but this is no deterrent to reading it. I loved it. Buy it and see what you think. Just don't expect a punchy story. Instead be prepared for a feast of sensitivities and emotions.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
A brief, powerful novella - rushed ending sadly spoils the overall impact.
22 Dec 2008
By S. Barnes
Format:Paperback
Set in 1962, this is the description of the wedding night of two young twenty-somethings, Edward and Florence. Set before the sexual revolution really got going later in the 60s, this young couple have come to their wedding night inexperienced and unsure, both of themselves and of what to expect from each other. Sex before marriage and open discussion of sex, although not unheard of, were still somewhat taboo at the time, and marriage still seen as the main rite of passage into adulthood. Both have arrived at the event with their separate fears, concerns and preconceived ideas of what will take place between them. McEwan masterfully conveys a pressure and tension between the characters and bravely, gradually describes the scene that unfolds in the honeymoon suite of a hotel on the Dorset coast.
McEwan describes a deep love between the two characters, who have met, courted and fallen in love, but shown great restraint in their courtship of each other - Edward from respect for his bride-to-be and Florence from a deep-seated horror of the physicality of a relationship. He intersperses amongst his narrative of the scene in the hotel room, the background for the relationship between the two, building up a tension of misunderstanding - how little these two really understand each other's physical needs; how little they have spoken to each other about sex, and yet how compatible they are in nearly every other way.
This is a brave and sensitive exploration of the subject, still as topical in many cultures today, as it was for Florence and Edward more than 40 years ago. There is a moral to the tale, typical of most novellas. It's not the sort of book to pick up when you're looking for a gripping read, but it is a thought-provoking book to be appreciated for its style, and portrayal of a difficult subject. Sadly, McEwan really lets down the whole piece with a rushed ending. Rushing through the last 40 years of his characters lives is in itself okay - the story needs this to reach a full understanding of what was at stake that night in 1962 - but what is really unforgivable is his mention of the influence of Internet shopping on Edward's businesses in the late 1970s/early 80s. What a faux pas, considering Internet usage itself didn't take off until the late 90s and Internet shopping has only relatively recently had a major impact on off-line retailers. If the book had been better finished it would have had a tentative 5 stars from me, in appreciation of its originality.
McEwan describes a deep love between the two characters, who have met, courted and fallen in love, but shown great restraint in their courtship of each other - Edward from respect for his bride-to-be and Florence from a deep-seated horror of the physicality of a relationship. He intersperses amongst his narrative of the scene in the hotel room, the background for the relationship between the two, building up a tension of misunderstanding - how little these two really understand each other's physical needs; how little they have spoken to each other about sex, and yet how compatible they are in nearly every other way.
This is a brave and sensitive exploration of the subject, still as topical in many cultures today, as it was for Florence and Edward more than 40 years ago. There is a moral to the tale, typical of most novellas. It's not the sort of book to pick up when you're looking for a gripping read, but it is a thought-provoking book to be appreciated for its style, and portrayal of a difficult subject. Sadly, McEwan really lets down the whole piece with a rushed ending. Rushing through the last 40 years of his characters lives is in itself okay - the story needs this to reach a full understanding of what was at stake that night in 1962 - but what is really unforgivable is his mention of the influence of Internet shopping on Edward's businesses in the late 1970s/early 80s. What a faux pas, considering Internet usage itself didn't take off until the late 90s and Internet shopping has only relatively recently had a major impact on off-line retailers. If the book had been better finished it would have had a tentative 5 stars from me, in appreciation of its originality.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By King Eric
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this book based on the glowing reviews found here and elsewhere. I do not doubt that it is well written but the story and characters just did not resonate with me- i had sympathy for both at the end but not empathy. I suppose i was disappointed that the book did not for me live up to the hype.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 314 reviews
3.8 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Read for book club
Read it in 24hrs on the beach in Benalmadena. Was poignant in places and laugh out loud in others. Explores relationships well.
Published 3 days ago by Elizabeth Hughes
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not my cup of tea
This book was okay but I wouldn't read it again. It wasn't really for me and I only finished it because I thought something might happen and I wanted to give it a chance. Read more
Published 3 days ago by M. Lockett
5.0 out of 5 stars
The usual high quality thought provoking McEwan material
...stays with you long after you put it down.
Complex issues brilliantly dealt with. McEwan really gets into peoples heads. His apparent understanding of people is remarkable.
Complex issues brilliantly dealt with. McEwan really gets into peoples heads. His apparent understanding of people is remarkable.
Published 16 days ago by Peter Montgomery
3.0 out of 5 stars
a well observed novella
It is 1962, and for Edward and Florence it is the eve of their wedding night. Sitting at dinner together at their hotel in Dorset, however, they both struggle silently with their... Read more
Published 22 days ago by Maya99
4.0 out of 5 stars
Riveting
I've read this twice, disliking it the first time but being drawn in & convinced by both the main characters, perhaps slightly less by the bride, on the second reading. Read more
Published 1 month ago by MTE Street
1.0 out of 5 stars
what drivel
I struggled through half of this turgid drivel but finally gave up at page 87...«..the tip of his thumb pushed against the lone hair that curled from under her panties. Read more
Published 1 month ago by George Orwell
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very enjoyable read
I enjoy the story line of the two characters. It is interesting and unusual in the way a newly married couple are represented. An easy and moving read.
Published 2 months ago by Rebecca Lowe
5.0 out of 5 stars
A little masterpiece
I've been meaning to read this book for so long, so glad I finally bought it.Beautifully observed, beautifully written. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Susan Gregson
5.0 out of 5 stars
A glimpse of a bygone age
I adored this book. I read it maybe five years ago so I can't write about it in any detail other than to say it was wonderful - a glimpse of a bygone age, with beautiful... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Kindledays
5.0 out of 5 stars
My First
This is the first book I read by this author and I loved it, It is a reminder that you must always discuss all issues with your loved one, if they really are your loved one,... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mrs P Whistlejacket
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192198663_.gif){kind=small}
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
|
