On Chesil Beach

NcEwan has crafted a compelling and tightly woven novel of two lives that are changed by one night and the things not said. To say much more about the story could spoil it for the next reader. I found it difficult to stop listening to it. A perfect audio book for a long car trip when you can listen nonstop. As a literary work this will remain a significant work of this century. The author reads this shot novel with a level of feeling and drama that would be difficult for anyone else to match. Thoroughly enjoyable.

The description of this book didn't sound too promising, even though I'm a big McEwan fan . . . how can one write an entire book about a few hours on a wedding night? But McEwan deftly creates two engaging characters who generate the reader's empathy. I found the interview with the author particularly insightful, especially on the question of why he summed up Edward's life in the end but not Florence's. Not all authors are good readers, but McEwan does a fine job. Don't be put off by reviews which make it sound as if the book is about nothing but sex. It's so much more.

I really enjoyed Atonement. But this book is not my cup of tea.
This book is not bad when telling the story of their lifes before they meet and their meeting and courtship but interspersed is a bunch of sexual disfunction drivel so monotonous and indepth that I couldn't stand to listen. I FF through parts trying to find interesting parts and then the book was over.
The authors voice was fine to listen to, but he tried to make it sould like what he was reading was so monumental and amazing.
Not a book for me.

Ian McEwan is a master; this short book was riveting and revelatory. If you've read him before you know that his depiction of the inner experience of women is astute and often astonishing. In the interview at the end (we're so lucky to have Audible!) he talks about limiting actual depicted conversation between the two main characters until the ultimate confrontation at the end. This is a fascinating narrative tool in the hands of an artist like McEwan. Next download: everything else by McEwan.

This does not approach "Atonement" (one of my all-time favorite books) in quality, but is quite worth reading. The situation is infuriating, and the ending a bit bland compared to the heart of the story, but it certainly is a compelling portrait of the clashing mores of its time (early sixties). The author interview after the book is a significant value-added feature that makes the audio version preferable to the print.

I was disappointed in this book. I bought it because the other reviews were great. It was very descriptive and slow moving. If you like books filled with emotional descriptions, then you'll probably love this book. If you like books with action and excitement, you might be bored like I was. It also ended earlier than I expected because there's a very long note about the book at the end. I was kind of shocked when I realized it was over already.

Yes, not to miss anything.

How we are all victims of our ingnorance.

No. But I plan to.

No

I was facinated with the iterview with the author that came after the story end.

This is a tepid book. The subject is depressing, and the writing is even more so. Is it the same Ian McEwan who wrote "Atonement" and "Saturday"?