On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan
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Book Reviews of On Chesil Beach
Book Review: Excellent storytellling
Summary: 5 Stars
Anyone who has read a novel by Ian McEwan will not be surprised to discover that the language the author adopted to craft On Chesil Beach is flawless. Even as the prose urges the story forward, the reader is compelled to linger over the beautiful passages, the taut, lovely sentences and the crisp dialogue that mark McEwan as one of the master writers of our time. And, while each novel develops its own unique and curious plot, (consider the shocking end of Amsterdam or the bittersweet lesson at the heart of Atonement), each also shares a universal theme. McEwan's stories are all driven by the human desire to ponder the imponderable: "If only."
On Chesil Beach is no exception. The two main characters, Edward and Florence, are celebrating the evening of their marriage. The story begins on the night of their honeymoon, two virgins, each insecure in the knowledge of what will soon happen. Much of the novel lingers over their thoughts and anxieties, their memories and anticipation. By alternating their two perspectives, McEwan deftly captures the way our spoken words do not always accurately represent what it is we are struggling to communicate. While much of the book concerns this dance between meaning and misunderstanding, there is also action-action that has serious consequences. We glimpse the couples' past, present, and future, perfectly balanced on one moment of consummation.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of McEwan's writing is his ability to capture the nature of time. Like Proust, McEwan can examine a single moment, filling as many pages as a description of events that have passed over a period of twenty years. It is brilliant prose that conveys a poignant, heart-wrenching love story.
Armchair Interviews says: Read McEwan for both his wonderful stories and superb storytelling.
Book Review: Terrific if Misunderstood
Summary: 5 Stars
This book, which centers on a disastrous wedding night of two endearing characters, is a splendid read, which, unfortunately (and typically), a lot of American critics have misinterpreted.
It is NOT an attack on the sexual repression of the world before 1965. It is rather a reflection on what followed. Like all couples, Edward and Florence have to adjust to adulthood, to sharing, to a new life together. In the bad old days, they would have adjusted, society's norms forcing them to surrender a portion of themselves to accept the other, just as their parents have done (Edward's mother is "brain damaged" and Florences parents live in different professional worlds).
Mr. McEwan paints a convincing portrait of two young people, self involved as all young people are, but capable of reaching adulthood and a happy life together. In the dramatic confrontation of Chesil Beach, the siren call of the Cult of the Self, and its attendant sense that one is free to do anything one wishes, converts what could have been a minor tiff into an event which dissolves the marriage and ruins both of their lives.
In a coda at the end of the book, it is clear that neither Edward nor Florence have ever grown up and that they are both doomed to live unsatisfactory lives, Edward as somewhat feckless and irresponsible and Florence as professionally successful but alone and brittle. The dawning of the Age of Aquarius has left both of these charming young people in a purgatory of frozen adolescence.
The world today is filled with Edwards and Florences, attractive and accomplished people gradually losing their ability to mature, to grow, to love. And that is what makes this lovely and tragic book so powerful.
Book Review: Another Beautiful McEwan Novel Writ in a Minor Key
Summary: 5 Stars
McEwan's books are like an Irish Ballad: beautiful, haunting, forlorn and difficult to forget, Chesil Beach is no exception. It is difficult not to finish the novel swiftly after reading the first sentence: "They were young, educated, and both virgins on this their wedding night, and they lived in a time when a conversation about sexual difficulties was plainly impossible." The novel continues with another of McEwan's trademarkes, weaving together unspeakable sexual intimacies with everyday happenings followed by the private thoughts of his characters. If one was disappointed at Atonement's ending I would suggest not reading Chesil Beach. But becoming well acquainted with McEwan's characters and seeing how their tragedy is a product of their time period is a process that will only broaden one's understanding of humanity.
One marvels at McEwan's command of the English language. It is good to see that in this age of haste there is an author who can remind one of life's subtleties; like the nervous tendency to brush aside a hair that isn't there. Somehow, McEwan manages to put into words those tiny moments that we all experience yet never consciously consider, and make them relevant, even central to the novel's theme. For this, McEwan's acuteness to words, I give his novella five stars. It is from these intricacies that the story is built and McEwan's moral of hindsight and failure hopefully help the reader appreciate all the imperfections in their own life.
Book Review: Just Say Something!
Summary: 5 Stars
"On Chesil Beach" is pure Ian McEwan and I mean that in a good way. There is so much packed into this short novel with so little of the writing relying on action. McEwan is a master of character study, of coming to terms with the discrepancy between what is in a character's head and what he or she actually does. This is the story of two lovers, Edward and Forence, brought together under censorious circumstances -1960s England. Their wedding night is the point about which the entire story turns, one plagued by embarrassment and misunderstanding that will change their lives forever.
Alright, that sounds a little too much like a movie trailer for a book that is so simple and pure, but that does not make the drama any less true. I opened the front cover with a "let's see how he can possibly follow up Atonement" frame of mind. Perhaps that was not fair, but in some ways this story has some similar elements found in "Atonement," but much more concentrated due to its brevity. McEwan deftly weaves his characters with grace and compassion willing the reader to shout "just say something!" We are moved to frustration and pity in a way that is as wonderful as it is heartbreaking.
Book Review: Accidents Happen
Summary: 5 Stars
Ian McEwan's On Chesil Beach describes what can happen when two young people with little sexual experience and different desires marry without expressing their needs.
Explosively Subtle
- I guess you could call me a McEwan groupie- I adore his subtle, meaningful prose. He says so much without going overboard (but not in an annoying Hemingway-esque type of style).
- McEwan takes one small event, one that is broadcasted on billboards in this day and age, and makes it so meaningful and life-changing.
- If someone were to tell me exactly what this novel is about (issues consummating a marriage, shall we say) I'd think it would have the potential to be crude or silly. McEwan's talent prohibits either.
- You end up feeling for both characters and appreciating the historical context of their situation, just a few years shy of the sexual revolution.
Protect Yourself
- If you're squeamish about sex and it's by-products this may not be for you.
- There is definitely a plot, but it's not plot driven, as the characters' thoughts and feelings really drive the text.