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A review by christynhoover
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan
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.