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A review by cstefko
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan
5.0
4.75 stars
I thought this novella was pretty close to perfection. It's amazing how much tension and emotion McEwan fits into such a short narrative. I felt like I knew both of the protagonists intimately (no pun intended), and the ending is so beautifully tragic. Can't say much more without giving the ending away. I can see how other reviewers got annoyed with it for being such a simple story, but I enjoy books like this... give me some exquisite prose and miserably-in-love characters, and I'm happy! The period drama aspect is just an extra cherry on top. Can't wait to see the Saoirse Ronan movie adaptation :)
I thought this novella was pretty close to perfection. It's amazing how much tension and emotion McEwan fits into such a short narrative. I felt like I knew both of the protagonists intimately (no pun intended), and the ending is so beautifully tragic. Can't say much more without giving the ending away. I can see how other reviewers got annoyed with it for being such a simple story, but I enjoy books like this... give me some exquisite prose and miserably-in-love characters, and I'm happy! The period drama aspect is just an extra cherry on top. Can't wait to see the Saoirse Ronan movie adaptation :)