bbboeken's review against another edition
2.0
Bof. Een studie, of een probeersel, maar dit is niet echt een boek of zelfs novelle waard. Weinig inlevingsmogelijkheid.
philosykos's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
wallerb15's review against another edition
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
idailf'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
tasmanian_bibliophile's review against another edition
4.5
‘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.’
July 1962. Edward Mayhew, a graduate historian, and Florence Ponting, a lead violinist in a string quartet, have just married. They have gone to a hotel beside Chesil Beach for their honeymoon. Both are nervous.
They eat their meal in their room overlooking the bay: melon with a glace cherry, beef with overcooked vegetables while being attended by waiters. They are in love and look forward to their life together but are unsure how to proceed. Florence, in love with romance, but far less comfortable with physical connection, would rather not be touched. Edward, who has dreamed of physical pleasure once he and Florence are married, is eager.
There are three key moments in this novel: the meal, the fumbled steps toward consummation, and the following encounter on Chesil Beach. These moments are surrounded by glimpses into their lives and thoughts, an inability to communicate their fear of the unknown and an inability to reconcile expectations.
I kept reading, hoping that Florence and Edward would be able to work together and find common ground but recognising that they were both ill-equipped to do so. Frustration and embarrassment take control and the opportunity for partnership seems doomed. While the ending took me by surprise because both Edward and Florence seemed too passive, it seemed an accurate reflection of their dilemma.
In fewer than two hundred pages, Mr McEwan presents a story which expands beyond the pages and contracts within the ‘nice’ societal norms of the period. A brilliantly written but sad story.
If you’ve not yet read On Chesil Beach, I can recommend it.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
tracytcamp's review against another edition
sad
tense
fast-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
3.5
keamph's review against another edition
2.0
Edward sucks. It was a fine book up until Part 5 which is why it’s getting 2 stars! I like the way McEwan writes but mAN the last 40 pages hurt.
miacgriffin's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.0
odowd09's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
aimxxgarcia's review against another edition
4.0
A simple narrative but with a really deep implication...