Product Description

A short novel of quite remarkable depth, power and poignancy by a writer at the height of his powers

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #147 in Books
• Published on: 2008-01-03
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Metro
'this graceful novella offered a series of perfectly realised moments'

Guardian
'In its precision, scope and force, this is an astounding novel, more tender than anything McEwan has hitherto produced'

Waterstone's Books Quarterly
`slow, detailed prose... reads like a pale memory of a forgotten age... a writer in complete control of his craft'

Customer Reviews

Frustrating...
I've loved all of the other Ian McEwan books I've read, but although I acknoweldge that this is very well written I just didn't enjoy it at all. I found it very hard going and frankly, didn't have much sympathy for either of the characters. Someone called it a "Tragic love story" but love doesn't really come into it in my opinion!

full of heartache and love not realised
this novella is a wonderful exploration into the deeper emotions - today is a world of excess and exposure with little censure - this book is an amazing contrast, tapping into emotions, uncertaintly and misunderstanding with such precision, such clarity and such understanding to leave the reader unable to put the book down - it doesn't get 5 stars because the end feels rushed and lacking completeness - otherwise one of Ian McEwans best

My first McEwan
This book is the first McEwan I have read. I only picked it up because I have been to Chesil Beach on many occassions. The story is not of the type I normally enjoy and look for. However I found this book refreshingly different and well written. The two central characters are real and created in superb detail. After reading this book I have gone on to enjoy other McEwan novels, specifically Saturday, which I think is pefect for people who enjoy this novella.