I read a lot...really a lot. If a book doesn't hook me within the first 30 pages, I put it aside. This book's first sentence hooked me and I couldn't put it down until I read, with a broken heart, the very last sentence. Few stories stay with me beyong a week or two but I know I'll remember Florence and Edward for a long time. This is the first Ian McEwan novel I have ever read (I didn't finish "Atonement") all the way through and I now want to read more of his work. And I think I'll give "Atonement" another try. "On Chesil Beach" is simply wonderful.

I found this book really hard to read. It's only 166 pages long, but it took me about 6 weeks to read it. It had a moderately interesting blurb on the inside cover and I had wanted to read an Ian McEwan book after reading the reviews of a couple of his other books, but I kept finding more interesting books in my "to read" pile, and so what should only have taken me an afternoon to read took me 6 weeks. I'm glad I perservered, as it got me thinking about how one little thing can change peoples lives. How being unable to communicate freely can ruin a relationship. A book that makes you think about your own relationships, and whether you've said or not said something that's changed the course of a relationship with a loved one.

A lesser work, in my opinion, for the talented Mr. Ewan. It could be summarized in the phrase "A lack of communication," for it is this that dooms a marriage that seemed so promising. It does bring to my mind the thought of true love and that the loss of same can cripple someone for the rest of their life.

"However, he writes here about a type of horror, as experienced by one of the main protagonists, that is bewildering and unbelievable in its intensity." -vickiz It's not bewildering or unbelievable at all, but you do need to read closely about Florence's past to understand why she feels as she does, and why, with love and patience, things could have turned out very differently.

A short work, very concise but very enjoyable. The only other work from McEwan I've read is Atonement but I loved his style and ability. On Chesil Beach is no exception. Wonderfully written with great prose. The story has moments of great hilarity as well as a great human drama. The wedding night is a defining moment for the couple and I like how McEwan jumps forward in time to show how their lives were altered from that one night. Great stuff.

This novel felt very short and unresolved, and left me with a frustrating taste in my mouth. It did, however, hit the nail squarely on the head when it came to delivering its message: sometimes, the consequences of doing nothing at all are worse than those of doing the wrong thing. Even though this novel wasn't entirely satisfying for me, some of his other works (such as Atonement) are definitely worth a read.

I currently count Ian McEwan among my favourite novelists so I was excited to read his latest work, On Chesil Beach. Above all, this book highlights McEwan's genius at manipulating language; the sentences flow seamlessly and vividly capture the points of view of both protagonists. The short novel does lack in plot development but it's not meant to be an action-packed book. McEwan describes a couple on their wedding night. The pair were born at WWII's conclusion and grew up during the decline of the British Empire. Florence and Edward come from different backgrounds but both are trying to depart from the norms they experienced as children. Both know what they think they want from life, but neither can truly understand the other's aims. This lack of understanding becomes clear as each character muses on the consummation of marriage. Florence has never had a person to share intimacies with; she feels wholly alone but disgusted at the thought of what is to come. Edward, however, has come to the conclusion that marriage leads automatically to connubial bliss. I enjoyed this book a lot; it emphasizes the need for open communication but also cherishes solitary pursuits and dreams. I wouldn't recommend the novel as a first exposure to McEwan but if you're already a fan, it won't disappoint. Besides, how bad can 166 pages be?

As sensitive novel about a man and woman who try to make a go of love, but due to immaturity and inexperience with a solid dose of pride and inflexibility manage to destroy the very relationship they value so much.

A haunting story showing McEwan's appreciation for F. Scott Fitzgerald.

This is the first book I've read by Ian McEwan. I've heard "he's a difficult author to read," or "it takes awhile to get into his books" but I was hooked right away. The main characters, Florence and Edward, go through an awkward courtship and marriage right on the cusp of the 60's revolution. Sad to see how things could have been different for them in another time and place.