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[Snowy]

I've haven't read it all yet, but I read a review. That said it was set 'on the cusp' of the sixties era, so in a way they were some of the last ones to experience that type of innocence and naivety.

[clucky1]

I am really in two minds about this book. On the one hand it was very 'atmospheric' and defined tender moments well. However, - I too found it short - slightly missleading at times and it left me with a yearning that such a 'marvolous' story idea wasn't explored well enough and that it only seemed to touch the surface (Hope this all makes a little sense)

On a differnt note - I agree with Cinnamon and Hillfamily re. the abuse. I did care for the character and I was left wanting to know her angst - one way or the other.

Really enjoying being part of this bookclub

[chickencam]

Really enjoying being part of this bookclub

 

Ditto, it is great to discuss books with people and there is no pressure because there are enough of us, so if you don't have time to read one that month or don't finish it on time it doesn't matter

[little chickadee]

Really enjoying being part of this bookclub

 

Ditto, it is great to discuss books with people and there is no pressure because there are enough of us, so if you don't have time to read one that month or don't finish it on time it doesn't matter

 

Me too. Thanks for setting it up Cinnamon.

[Cinnamon]

You are most welcome

[MedusA]

Many thanks to Laura for very kindly sending me her copy of "On Chesil Beach". The Library have still not got it in! If anyone else wants it next, please pm me.

 

I have just finished reading it. I haven't yet read anyone else's thoughts, deliberately, so as not to be swayed. So here goes...

 

I had not read any of Ian McEwan's writing before, so I was very pleased to find his style to my taste - very descriptive imagery! I was there in that room with them, eating their wedding breakfast!!!

 

As a child of the 60's I can well believe that pre-1963 was still very much like the post-war/rationing era, as the sexual revolution had not yet exploded. I found the sexual tension palpable, throughout the whole book. I very much felt that these two young people, though very much in love, did not know each other at all. It was indicative of the era that emotions, and most definitely S-E-X, were never discussed. I did feel that, under the circumstance, Florence's fears were natural, and that, given time, Edward could have won her round. Unfortunately, I suspect, his "arriving too early" was a common wedding night occurance given the sexual repression expected of young people.

 

I felt there may have been something in Florence's childhood relating to sexual abuse, but that could just be my lurid imagination as it was never expanded on. Her love of music and performing seems to be almost sexual in it's construct. Of the two of them, she goes on to be far more "fulfilled" than Edward, achieving her dreams whilst he just muddles through. I was disappointed they never met up later in life again. It was a sad "what might have been". I guess I am a "happy ending" kind of person.

 

On the strength of "On Chesil Beach", I may read more Ian McEwan, which I had not considered and is, threrefore, a good thing. Thank you to Cinnamon for the suggestion.

[Snowy]

I'm a bit late in here - thanks to Egluntine for lending me a copy!

 

I would never have dreamt of picking this type of book up normally, so thanks for encouraging me to read outside of my normal range!

 

I did enjoy it, the characterisation was wonderful, I could really empathise with both of them. I felt that Florence had definitely had an 'episode' with her father on the boat, that was quite clear, but it seemed like a one off. I don't think she was as naive as I first thought - she'd read extensively so knew what to expect, but not what to feel. It did sound as though, with a bit of patience on Edward's side, she would have been OK.

 

They were from very different backgrounds and I felt that he was attracted by the whole package, the house and lifestyle, not just Florence herself. He completely misunderstood her I think, there was a definite lack of communication on both sides! Instead of trying to see things from her point of view, he took it very personally and blamed her for everything.

 

I think they would have struggled if they had stayed together. He would have become jealous of her success and she would maybe not have become as successful, wanting to please him. He would have become frustrated always trying to be something he was not and he did have a bit of a temper didn't he? I think that is why there was no reconciliation. She felt he had been unsympathetic, he was not prepared to give her the benefit of the doubt, it was all about how he felt wasn't it? I felt he was a bit arrogant.

 

Anyway, that's my two penn'eth! Good choice Cinnamon!

[AMO]

Just finished the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I laughed and cried while reading the story, but, it made a pleasant change not to have a happy ending.

 

I feel a last chapter - perhaps of them having a chance meeting much later in life to see how different, or not, their lives had turned out would have finished the tale perfectly.

 

It goes to show how differently body language can be misinterpreted - every move of denial by Florence is read as an invitation to proceed by Edward and how heartbreaking it must have been for her not being able to talk openly to a) prevent the bedroom scene and b) to try and deal with the situation before.

 

I have never read Ian McEwan before but would now.

 

PS - Would anyone like to borrow this copy? (kindly donated by Egluntine ). PM me and I will post it on.