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| Value for Money | 4.7/10   |
|---|---|
| Reviewer Rating | 6.3/10 |
| Overall Rating | 6.6/10 |
Full review by
ruthie H
on 29th Jul 2008
User Rating : 7
Respect :
0
Good Points: 'On Chesil Beach' has a ring of authenticity about it in its depiction of the lives, hopes and fears of two young middle-class people in the early 1960s. At the heart of the novel Edward and Florence are struggling with their wedding night fears. These are placed within the context of the characters' backgrounds, beliefs and experiences, and the history of their relationship. The character of Florence is one of the fascinations of the book. Florence's difficulties with sex are not shared by her contemporaries or friends, and as such are not simply conveyed as a product of the era. They are a product of her individual experiences and history. The reader wonders how much her attitude to sex springs from her family background, in particular her relationship with her father, or her own personality. Is it significant that Florence's musical talent gives her a confident single-mindedness and power not present in other parts of her life? Perhaps her experience of this makes her unable to accept a compromise on perfection in her married life. If so, it is possible to see her as a liberated 60s woman rather than an example of repression.
Bad Points: While the character of Florence is one of the strengths of the book the relationship between herself and Edward is less interesting and credible. At times it is difficult to believe in the lack of communication between the pair, making for a frustrating experience for the reader who can't help but wish they could achieve some mutual understanding.
General comments: 'On Chesil Beach' shares with other of the novels of Ian McEwan the sense that there can exist a pivotal, in this case cruel, moment which can change lives for ever. Perhaps the author allows his preoccupation with this central idea to override his sense of human authenticity in this piece.
ruthie H's review and ratings | 303 words
Review by
rhwoodward
on 22nd Oct 2007
User Rating : 7
Respect :
0
Set in England in the 60's, 'On Chesil Beach' tells the tale of two sexually inexperienced newly weds on their wedding night. Each has their own thoughts and reservations about their first time together - Florence is dreading the whole affair, but still wants to please her new husband, and Edward has fears that his over-excitement will spoil his first night with his new wife.
As the night unfolds, their doubts are made apparent to each other, and the consequences of that night will change the ...
rhwoodward's full review | 269 words
Review by
rekhamurty
on 12th Oct 2007
User Rating : 3
Respect :
0
As a committed fan of McEwan I found this book his weakest attempt and am astonished at the nomination. The Booker must be more meritorious in its slew of titles.
rekhamurty's full review | 42 words
Summarized
Professional
Review on 13th Aug 2007
User Rating: 8
On Chesil Beach is a short, insightful tale about when romance goes wrong.
Read full review at Reading Matters
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