On Chesil Beach - a lesson in deceit (On Chesil Beach - Ian McEwan)

Member Name: mutherh

Product:	On Chesil Beach - Ian McEwan
Date:	31/08/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Believable characters who get it wrong - like most of us

Disadvantages: Tragic ending

Just married, these University educated academic highflyers crash to the ground when confronted with a natural human act. Their crime is the sin of pride, which they achieve through deceit. Florence does not reveal to Edward her true feelings regarding sex, and Edward does not reveal to Florence his virgin state.

It's 1961 and nice girls didn't do it. What men did was another matter. You could even say it was their responsibility to find out how to do it with a girl of the 'common' sort, or an older experienced woman. 'It' being sexual intercourse.

I use this expression because it patterns the language McEwan uses to take us step, by painful step, through the embarrassing fumblings, false starts, and interruptions that typify the first time Edward and Florence attempt to make love.

McEwan's account in 5 parts spans the period of the 1940s to the present day, but begins in 1961 on the honeymoon evening. His use of the device of switching back in time assists the reader in understanding the type of families the protagonists come from: middle class, proper, and - most importantly - with both mothers emotionally unavailable. It is revealed to the reader that Edward's family life is complete theatre.

Edward and Florence have no interests in common, apart from their deep love for each other. They marvel that they ever met - which makes the end of their story tragic - almost like going against destiny. But destiny is defined by character, and these two star crossed lovers are flawed human beings.

I enjoyed this 166 page book because it was fast paced. There was an element of underlying violence which kept the reader alert. Was Edward going to rape her?

As I read the conclusion I could only think of Graham Greene's words in 'The End of the Affair' - that just because you don't see someone doesn't mean you stop loving them.

Summary: Just do it!