Ian McEwan is the English author of the celebrated books Atonement, The Comfort of Strangers and the 1998 Man Booker prize winning Amsterdam. A Globe and Mail and New York Times notable book, On Chesil Beach was written in 2007, and was also shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.
In the early 1960's, newlyweds Edward and Florence honeymoon at a seaside hotel, taking dinner in their room and anticipating the night ahead. He is nervous and full of desire, but Florence is more than apprehensive. She has worked herself up into disgust at the thought of any type of intimacy. While this night extends over the 166 page novel, we flashback on both of their childhoods, their families, and awakenings to politics and the world at college where they first meet. When their conflicting attitudes to sex erupt on their wedding night, they choose to shut each other out, incapable of revealing their true feelings, changing the course of their lives.
This was masterfully written, well structured with great comprehension - there is not much undiscovered about their characters or history, from childhood into seniority - but it didn't move me. I felt apart from them, watching as the evening played out. I knew I was reading a talented author, and admire the construction within the novella, but wouldn't recommend this book or read it again.
This has been filmed starring Saoirse Ronan and Billy Howle. I can see how cinematography and sweeping score could bring one to tears.
2007 / Tradeback / 166 pages
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