The Beach at Night

by Elena Ferrante
The Beach at Night cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Children's Fiction
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Hardback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8219
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781609453718
  • Publisher: Europa Editions UK
  • Published: 2016-11-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Left alone on the beach, Celina, a doll, endures a harrowing night filled with peril and emotional turmoil. The Mean Beach Attendant of Sunset threatens to steal her words, the Fire seeks to burn her, and the Sea ignores her pleas. To make matters worse, she feels abandoned by her owner, Mati, who now has a new kitten to play with. As night turns to day, Celina's perspective shifts, and she begins to see things more clearly. The Beach at Night is a short, evocative tale that blends mystery and emotion, perfect for both future and current readers of Ferrante's beloved novels. The story is beautifully illustrated by Mara Cerri, adding a visual depth that complements the narrative.

Reviews
James Patterson Kids · 2018-02-15
intriguing 4.00

Ferrante fans may find the book intriguing and beautifully written. The eerie scenes add to the book's unique charm.

James Patterson Kids suggests that 'The Beach at Night' will appeal to fans of Elena Ferrante, praising its intriguing and beautifully written narrative. The review highlights the eerie scenes, which add a unique charm to the book. While it acknowledges that Ferrante has not fully mastered the children's book form, it still recommends the book as a worthwhile read. The overall sentiment is positive, with a focus on the book's literary merits and its ability to captivate readers with its haunting imagery.

Quick quotes

    Ferrante fans may well find 'The Beach at Night' intriguing, and it is certainly beautifully written.

    Cerri's eerie scenes of the beach at night are both haunting and captivating.

    Though Ferrante has not mastered the form in the same way she has the novel, this is a worthwhile read.

Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2016-12-24
meh 2.00

The book was okay, but not a favorite. The personification of natural elements was not well-received. The story was found to be disturbing and not suitable for children.

Tony found 'The Beach at Night' to be an average read, not ranking it among their favorites. They were particularly critical of the way the book personified natural elements like waves and storms, finding it unnecessary and off-putting. The story's dark and disturbing nature was highlighted, making it clear that this book is not suitable for younger children. Tony's overall impression was that the book had its moments but ultimately fell short of expectations.

Quick quotes

    It was OK, not my favourite book ever.

    I didn't really like how she said everyone was a living thing, like the waves and the storm.

    Very scary illustrations and disturbing text enough to give younger children nightmares.

Europa Editions · 2016-10-31
dark 3.50

The book is a dark tale that is beautifully translated. It explores the intimate and often blurry bonds between a little girl, her doll, and her mother.

Europa Editions presents 'The Beach at Night' as a dark and compelling tale, skillfully translated to capture its essence. The review emphasizes the book's exploration of the complex relationships between a young girl, her doll, and her mother. The narrative is described as intimate and sometimes blurry, adding to the story's haunting quality. The overall impression is one of a beautifully crafted, albeit dark, children's book that delves into deeper emotional and psychological themes.

Quick quotes

    The Italian novelist Elena Ferrante's first children's book, translated beautifully and uncompromisingly by Ann Goldstein, is a dark tale with a ...

    It plays out within the intimate, oft blurry bonds between a little girl, her doll, and her mother.

    With short, direct sentences, Ferrante creates a haunting atmosphere.

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