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A review by scholastic_squid
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan
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.