On Chesil Beach

by Ian McEwan
On Chesil Beach cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Literary Fiction
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Technical
  • ID: 3140
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • Publisher: Nan A. Talese
  • Published: 2007-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Set against the backdrop of the English coast, 'On Chesil Beach' delves into the inner turmoil of Edward and Florence, two virgins who are both excited and terrified by their newfound marriage. The novel captures the essence of a transformative era, where societal expectations clash with personal desires. /n/n Ian McEwan's masterful prose brings to life the emotional landscape of the characters, making their struggles feel deeply human and relatable. The story is a powerful commentary on the nature of love and the courage it takes to confront one's deepest fears.

Reviews
Literary Elephant · 2018-07-23
good 4.00

The book is recommended, especially for fans of other McEwan books. It is short but impactful, with a story and characters that emerge almost imperceptibly.

This reviewer highly recommends 'On Chesil Beach,' particularly for those who have enjoyed other works by Ian McEwan. They found the book to be short but impactful, with a story and characters that develop subtly and almost imperceptibly. The reviewer appreciates the compact nature of the book, which wastes few words and delivers a powerful narrative. The exploration of themes such as love, sex, and class differences is done with McEwan's characteristic dexterity.

Quick quotes

    I definitely recommend On Chesil Beach, especially if you've liked other McEwan books.

    It's short but ...

    A story and characters emerge almost imperceptibly.

Julia's Books · 2017-09-06
brilliant 4.50

The book is a very fine, forensic study of a 1960s relationship that could barely be called a relationship. It is a stunning read, which the reviewer didn't expect to be so good.

This reviewer found 'On Chesil Beach' to be a very fine, forensic study of a 1960s relationship that could barely be called a relationship. They were surprised by how much they enjoyed it, describing it as a stunning read. The book delves deeply into the complexities of human connection and the nuances of a relationship that is more about potential than reality. The reviewer appreciates the intricate exploration of the characters' inner worlds and the subtle tensions that define their interactions.

Quick quotes

    It is a very fine, forensic study of a 1960s relationship that could barely be called a relationship.

    A stunning read, which I didn't expect to be so good.

    The book delves deeply into the complexities of human connection and the nuances of a relationship that is more about potential than reality.

The Guardian · 2007-09-19
mediocre 3.00

While the book is excellent at times, it is far from McEwan's best. The reviewer notes that it hardly breaks new ground.

This reviewer acknowledges that 'On Chesil Beach' is excellent at times but feels it is far from Ian McEwan's best work. They point out that the book does not break new ground and may feel familiar to readers of McEwan's other works. However, the reviewer appreciates the fairy-tale quality of the narrative and the minute currents of tension that drive the story. Despite its shortcomings, the book offers a compelling exploration of human relationships and the inevitabilities that shape them.

Quick quotes

    Even so, and excellent as On Chesil Beach is at times, it's far from McEwan's best.

    For a start, he's hardly breaking new ground here.

    There is a fairy-tale quality to the book, in that everything that follows seems inevitable.

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