The Beach

by Alex Garland
The Beach cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Adventure
Technical:
  • ID: 1691
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-09
  • ISBN: 9780141941448
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2007-07-05
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Richard embarks on a journey to Thailand in search of an earthly utopia, guided by a mysterious map. Upon finding a secluded beach, he is awestruck by its beauty and the promise of a new way of life. However, the paradise he discovers is not as perfect as it seems, and the lengths he goes to in order to protect it become increasingly dark and dangerous. /n/nThe Beach is a gripping adventure that explores the darker side of human nature and the corrupting influence of power. With its exotic setting and compelling narrative, the novel delves into themes of isolation, survival, and the loss of innocence. The book's powerful storytelling and moody intelligence make it a classic that continues to captivate readers.

Reviews
N S Ford Writer · N S Ford · 2025-10-09
gripping 4.00

The book is described as a gripping read with an interesting but not particularly likeable narrator. The reviewer appreciates the expertly crafted main character and the foreboding tone.

N S Ford describes The Beach as a gripping read that keeps the reader engaged throughout. They find the narrator, Richard, to be an interesting character, although not particularly likeable, which adds depth to the story. The reviewer also highlights the expertly crafted main character and the foreboding tone that permeates the novel. They suggest that the book's strength lies in its ability to create a sense of unease and suspense, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Mostly, the book is a gripping read, with an interesting (not particularly likeable) narrator.

    That Richard is followed around by the ghost of Daffy, who is ...

    The foreboding tone present throughout the novel is worth the read alone.

Before We Go Blog · 2022-05-12
thoughtful 4.00

The book is praised for its smart and subtle narration, with a gravitas that may not be immediately apparent but grows on the reader. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the story.

This reviewer found 'The Beach' to be a smart and subtle read, noting that its gravitas wasn't immediately apparent but grew on them over time. They highlight the book's clever narration and the way it unfolds, making it a thoughtful and engaging experience. The depth of the story and its characters is particularly noted, suggesting that it's a book that rewards careful reading and reflection.

Quick quotes

    It is a smart book and subtle in its narration.

    Its overall gravitas was not something I could appreciate at the time, but it is something that ...

    The book offers more than just the adventure of being at an undiscovered island.

Before We Go Blog · 2022-05-12
thought-provoking 4.50

The book is praised for its smart narration and subtle gravitas, which may not be immediately apparent but grows on the reader. It's noted for its depth and thought-provoking elements.

The reviewer found The Beach to be a smartly written book with a subtle narration that doesn't reveal its full depth right away. They appreciate how the story's gravitas builds over time, making it a thought-provoking read. The reviewer suggests that the book's true impact might not be fully appreciated initially but grows with reflection. They also highlight the book's ability to engage the reader with its unique perspective and intricate details.

Quick quotes

    It is a smart book and subtle in its narration.

    Its overall gravitas was not something I could appreciate at the time, but it is something that ...

    The Beach is a book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

A Little Book Problem · 2020-07-12
engaging 3.50

The reviewer finds the premise simple yet effectively executed, with a gripping narrative that keeps the reader engaged. The character of Richard is noted for his intriguing, though not particularly likeable, personality.

This reviewer appreciated the simplicity and effectiveness of the book's premise, which revolves around a young traveller's search for an earthly utopia. They found the narrative gripping and engaging, particularly highlighting the character of Richard, who is described as interesting but not particularly likeable. The reviewer also notes the presence of Daffy, a character who adds an intriguing layer to the story.

Quick quotes

    The premise was simple and cleanly executed: in Bangkok a young traveller is given a map to a hidden beach by an older traveller, Daffy, who ...

    Mostly, the book is a gripping read, with an interesting (not particularly likeable) narrator.

    That Richard is followed around by the ghost of Daffy, who is ...

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