On Chesil Beach: A Novel (edit title)

• Rated 5 stars

“More of that flawless McEwan writing. I will say that at times I felt like some of the material was a bit regurgitated from Saturday (classical music musings) and Atonement (main male characters seemed similar), BUT good grief -- that's being rather trite of me to even mention. The idea: human emotions and reactions being like the ocean: big swells that determine our course, and then the rest is just a constant daily beating on... provides some good things to think about.”

• Rated 2 stars

“This must be good...other Ian McEwans are good. I'll read this one later.”

• Rated 3 stars

“This short novel is about the things that can go wrong in the realms of sexuality and communication. The most heartbreaking aspect of this book, though, is the ease with which Edward and Florence's marriage fell apart: what was built up so wonderfully in the first two hundred or so pages (give or take) fell apart within the span of three or four. And all because of one mistake: inaction, the failure to call out to someone, to simply say "I love you". This book is a quick read, and well worth the time. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“McEwan's ability to render a believable and familiar psychology, whether his characters are male or female, is nearly always stunning. This book ranks as one of his best in this regard, and in his ability to have his reader hanging on, wanting to shout out to the characters on stage, "don't open that door!" A compact marvel.”

• Rated 3 stars

“Well-written. Sadly, the young couple in this novel, set in 1962 England, see their marriage fall apart before it's consummated because they do not communicate. ”

• Rated 0 stars

“Recently named in the long list as a Booker Prize nominee, this is a deceptively simple novel that explores the complexity of relationships, and how failure to act at a pivotal moment can determine the course of one's entire life and indeed, dash our dreams forever. McEwan, already a Booker Prize winner, acquits himself ably with lyrical, exploratory prose and a sensitive study of the psychology of his two hapless protagonists.”