“And what stood in their way? Their personalities and pasts, their ignorance and fear, timidity, squeamishness, lack of entitlement or experience or easy manners, then the tail end of a religious prohibition, their Englishness and class, and history itself. Nothing much at all.”
Didn’t care for it. I liked Atonement only marginally better. I read On Chesil Beach because it was short and I could use it for the Novella and Notable Books challenges. I also wanted to give Ian McEwan another chance.
Edward and Florence are both novices to s*x on their wedding night, and the experience doesn’t turn out too well for them. The consequences of this event have serious repercussions for the couple, even life-changing ones. I enjoyed the back-stories of the couple, but the wedding night scene was too graphic for my taste. Really, can’t the same thing be said in a more understated, tasteful way? I realize I’m in the minority on things like this, but certain language and descriptions just really don’t do it for me. Your mileage probably varies.
2007, 203 pp.
Rating: 
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I’m in the minority with you. You know I am.;)
I listened to the audio version and I did not care for it either, which surprised me, given the positive reviews.
I haven’t read the book, but given your comments, I’d probably be with you. Graphic sex is rarely well done and I normally end up skipping it if it goes on too long.
cjh
I liked the book, but I can see why it might not be everybody’s favorite. Thanks for the chance to link to your great blog.
I just read the book too! I didn’t find it too graphic though. I probably have read books that are way more graphic (and still liked them). Anyway, glad you joined the challenge. Good luck!
I’ve read so many blog reviews about this book lately, I almost feel I’ve actually read it myself. But I haven’t. Yet.
Someone else who doesn’t like Ian McEwan! I thought I was the only one.
I try to find something likeable about McEwan yet his latest novel seems to be another insight into his unpleasant voyeuristic indulgences
I didn’t like this either! I did a search on all the blogs I read to try to find someone else who did not like this book! Glad I’m not the only one.
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