A review by gaia_dea
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan

challenging emotional reflective sad slow-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



I have to admit that I watched the film a few years ago, so I went into this book already knowing what the story revolved on, but still, McEwan's writing style never disappoints. In this novel, he explores some quite recurring topics such as the relativity of truth, the inability to communicate feelings, the pressure, and the "unspoken rules" of society. 
In this case, we see those themes through the story of two young adults Florence and Edward entirely in love with each other, or at least that is what they initially thought before the first honeymoon night. They never really confront, never truly discuss their desires, aspirations, or what they would prefer to be done in a different way instead of just following conventions. Even when completely alone, they were never able to forget the conventional boundaries, always afraid to be misunderstood, and perceived as weird.  
 We also get a grasp of both their families, dysfunctional and problematic in many ways, this condition only aggravating their fear of judgment.
Sexual inexperience and ignorance (due to 1960s British education, social upbringing, and religion) are also quite prominent themes in this story, to the point where they represent the actual breaking point of the couple. 

They may have been happy together, on their terms, but only with a different awareness which, unfortunately, was quite impossible at that time.
 


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