The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
sholtie's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Minor: Sexual violence, Incest, Rape, Sexual assault, and Adult/minor relationship
Much of the content surrounds sexual expectations and miscommunication, though the main sexual encounter is entered into consensually. There is brief mention/allusion to sexual abuse of one of the main characters as a child, though it is not the main focus of the bookidailf's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Incest
scholastic_squid's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Huh….
My mind is churning through thoughts and feelings about this short novel that takes place all in one day with a brief recap of the male leads (Edward) life at the end.
Florence and Edward meet by chance one day, and Edward takes the leap of pursuing her. The pursuit, hinging on that one decision, leads to their wedding night and having to perform the marital duties in the hotel bed.
Florence recalls her memories of falling in love with Edward, and Edward recollects in the same fashion. Edward, being the culmination of the male upbringing is focus on consummation and how wonderful it’ll be, how they may go on to have children, and how even though he’s tried to coax Florence into being more intimate over their relationship (which didn’t work) that she cannot deny it tonight.
Florence, on the other hand, is in a spiral of denial and fear, which we learn within a sentence as to why she would rightfully feel so uncomfortable. Edward was not reason, and he respected her decision of not going further but always tried to place a kiss here or there, or leave a hand near her more intimate areas. (Side note: his inexperience as well sounded horrendous with the way he touched her on that confusing night lolol which I’m sure many of us can relate with)
The story continues with their night and reactions as well as a confrontational response from each. The book portrays the lack of understanding between a couple in the 1960’s and how it is very much the method of “let’s never talk so we don’t have to deal with our emotions” and watching it backfire. Honestly, it sounds very much like the boomer mindset about pretty much everything lol. Also, I would argue it shows a lack of awareness from figures outside the family.. Florence may have found help with a therapist for her trauma and/or been able to learn more about her sexuality. Although I believe the author would argue she is not asexual, which may be true, the way Florence alludes to herself and feelings briefly, if only for the fleeting moment, it seems like she might be. Again.. it was the 1960’s so obviously there wasn’t much in the way of acceptance… also, Edwards response to her finally opening up just makes me upset that he chose to shut her out and not try to work through it.
My mind is churning through thoughts and feelings about this short novel that takes place all in one day with a brief recap of the male leads (Edward) life at the end.
Florence and Edward meet by chance one day, and Edward takes the leap of pursuing her. The pursuit, hinging on that one decision, leads to their wedding night and having to perform the marital duties in the hotel bed.
Florence recalls her memories of falling in love with Edward, and Edward recollects in the same fashion. Edward, being the culmination of the male upbringing is focus on consummation and how wonderful it’ll be, how they may go on to have children, and how even though he’s tried to coax Florence into being more intimate over their relationship (which didn’t work) that she cannot deny it tonight.
Florence, on the other hand, is in a spiral of denial and fear, which we learn within a sentence as to why she would rightfully feel so uncomfortable. Edward was not reason, and he respected her decision of not going further but always tried to place a kiss here or there, or leave a hand near her more intimate areas. (Side note: his inexperience as well sounded horrendous with the way he touched her on that confusing night lolol which I’m sure many of us can relate with)
The story continues with their night and reactions as well as a confrontational response from each. The book portrays the lack of understanding between a couple in the 1960’s and how it is very much the method of “let’s never talk so we don’t have to deal with our emotions” and watching it backfire. Honestly, it sounds very much like the boomer mindset about pretty much everything lol. Also, I would argue it shows a lack of awareness from figures outside the family.. Florence may have found help with a therapist for her trauma and/or been able to learn more about her sexuality. Although I believe the author would argue she is not asexual, which may be true, the way Florence alludes to herself and feelings briefly, if only for the fleeting moment, it seems like she might be. Again.. it was the 1960’s so obviously there wasn’t much in the way of acceptance… also, Edwards response to her finally opening up just makes me upset that he chose to shut her out and not try to work through it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual content
I provided content warning since it alludes to a situation of such abuse, and in the interview with the author he does state it’s part of Florence’s fear of future intimacy.knkoch's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A pivotal moment between a newlywed couple is dissected, with an exploration of everything that contributes to their confrontation on their wedding night. I like the way McEwan finds this single night so rich. The personal, emotional, and cultural histories of both Florence and Edward are foundational to their conflict, and everything that comes afterward exists in the ripples. I'm quite glad I didn't grow up in the moment these characters did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
2wn's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Dementia
watermelleon's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It has taken me a long time to find the right time to read this.
I watched the film when it came out, so already knew what to expect. I have never ever cried so much in a cinema. I initially watched it at a time of crisis, hoping for an answer on a long resolved question. Reading this now felt very cathartic, and in some ways more painful than before as I continue on in the world.
Edward is so much more horrible than I remember him. He represented to me all of the things I hate about the attitudes of men that I have come to know since, especially those that are raised by emotionally illiterate parents.
Florence seemed more empowered than I remembered her. Absolutely, she is naive and absorbed the messages that the world will push into young women, but she knows what she wants and ultimately gets it. Not in a girl-queen boss way, but in a silently marching on and smiling way.
We meet these two all too real characters on their wedding night. This is not a happy story, but a cautionary tale on the importance of communication, and the inability to communicate in a time on the cusp of an era of freedom, that still witholds all of the previous guilt and oppression of the generation before.
I was very impressed by mcewan's writing throughout, his gross metaphors integrated into everything that could make you feel uncomfortable about the topic yourself. It felt very much that he understood both Florence and Edward extremely well, with incredible anxiety ridden pacing which felt like a sequence of events unfolding in real time.
Its a short book, and just like the marriage of Florence and Edward there is so much more to say.
I watched the film when it came out, so already knew what to expect. I have never ever cried so much in a cinema. I initially watched it at a time of crisis, hoping for an answer on a long resolved question. Reading this now felt very cathartic, and in some ways more painful than before as I continue on in the world.
Edward is so much more horrible than I remember him. He represented to me all of the things I hate about the attitudes of men that I have come to know since, especially those that are raised by emotionally illiterate parents.
Florence seemed more empowered than I remembered her. Absolutely, she is naive and absorbed the messages that the world will push into young women, but she knows what she wants and ultimately gets it. Not in a girl-queen boss way, but in a silently marching on and smiling way.
We meet these two all too real characters on their wedding night. This is not a happy story, but a cautionary tale on the importance of communication, and the inability to communicate in a time on the cusp of an era of freedom, that still witholds all of the previous guilt and oppression of the generation before.
I was very impressed by mcewan's writing throughout, his gross metaphors integrated into everything that could make you feel uncomfortable about the topic yourself. It felt very much that he understood both Florence and Edward extremely well, with incredible anxiety ridden pacing which felt like a sequence of events unfolding in real time.
Its a short book, and just like the marriage of Florence and Edward there is so much more to say.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
lidia710's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Vomit, Mental illness, Death of parent, and Homophobia
christynhoover's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
In a way this book is a sort of gentle and sober "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf". There are intense interpersonal thoughts/conversational exchanges between a dating -- then eventually newly-wed-- couple. Plus the aftermath.
An "epilogue" chapter expresses the thoughts/feelings of one of the individuals ~8 years after the fact and it adds an important layer of compassion onto the whole story. A quote from the book and perhaps a hint of its tone: "The entire course of a life can be changed by doing nothing."
In the audiobook version there is a 30 min interview with the author that adds a lot to appreciation of the story.
An "epilogue" chapter expresses the thoughts/feelings of one of the individuals ~8 years after the fact and it adds an important layer of compassion onto the whole story. A quote from the book and perhaps a hint of its tone: "The entire course of a life can be changed by doing nothing."
In the audiobook version there is a 30 min interview with the author that adds a lot to appreciation of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
One brief sexual scene on wedding night.funguscreature's review against another edition
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
as an asexual, this was an interesting read, and a very difficult one. a rare, well explained ace character and graphic sexual detail. im glad i read it, and it's definitely a good book, but i cant imagine ever reading it again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault
ninatw's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Antisemitism, Death of parent, Homophobia, and Cancer