On Chesil Beach cover art

On Chesil Beach

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.


It is July 1962. Edward and Florence, young innocents married that morning, arrive at a hotel on the Dorset coast. At dinner in their rooms they struggle to suppress their private fears of the wedding night to come and, unbeknownst to them both, the events of the evening will haunt them for the rest of their lives.


© Ian McEwan 2007 (P) Penguin Audio 2007

 Coming of Age Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Movie, TV & Video Game Tie-Ins Heartfelt Tear-jerking
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Most relevant
Refreshing to hear that the ‘first time’ is not a romantic, wonderful experience but awkward and embarrassing. Highlights how important it is to talk to each other honestly...if he had been able to understand Florence’s feelings better and she had been able to open up to the man she loved there would have been a different ending maybe..

Fascinating, honest

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There is our external world - and what lies beneath. The laying out of this internal landscape is Ian McEwan’s masterclass, for those like me who yearn to write half as brilliantly.

Inch perfect

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While I personally thoroughly enjoyed this intimate vignette, I know that many readers of modern fiction will find it slow and boring. However, connoisseurs of fine literature will surely enjoy its attention to detail, the intricacies of the characters motives, the tragedy of a doomed love. Beautifully crafted. A fine portrait of a time.

Won't appeal to everyone

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Where boundaries were once pushed with 'First Love, Last Rites' technologies innovated through his nascent period and Ian McEwan's full glory delivered in Amsterdam, Enduring Love, Saturday and Atonement, it remains to be seen whether the end of the Golden Period of front parlour Socialism, the NHS, the Co-op and the good old British Class system has left him washed up on his own sand and pebbles. Whilst undoubtedly furnished and burnished by Aldershot sun, this book doesn't deliver at the same level that previous efforts have and Mr Ian is going to have to get his finger out so that he really has something worthwhile in hand to reflect the delight we'll all feel when he gets his knighthood next year.

The writer not the book, the reader not the text..

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This book is so thought provoking and sad and makes you shout at the characters whilst reading. Totally loved it.

Amazing McEwan

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