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Post-Mortem: 'On Chesil Beach'
June 14, 2007
Today The Washington Post offers
an article about Ian McEwan's filmed book tour, which actually sounds as if it were rather ghastly. However, I did read
On Chesil Beach this week, so I must comment. Please note that this blog entry is not led by the usual "Recommended Reading." Hmmmm, I think you can guess where I'm going with this.
First, let me tell you that there was a lot about McEwan's new book that I loved: his near-lyrical attention to detail (the fabric of Florence's going-away dress, how her shoulders dip as she removes her matching shoes) that is tempered by a prose stylist's reserve; the stately progression of events that mimics the traditional bride's step-slide down the aisle; Edward's introduction to a higher social class through foods like
tarama salata and confit of duck.
But look -- what's that on the cover? Beneath the title...
Yes, it says "A Novel." But this is no novel! It's scarcely even a novella. As my friend R. says, it's actually more like a very, very long short story than a novella. Let me be more specific: while the book is longer than typical novellas (it's about 200 pages), the real development occurs entirely in one night between two people. Now, there are certainly novels fitting that description. However, what is tacked on to McEwan's longish short story about Edward and Florence's early-1960s wedding night feels superfluous and hasty.
R. says he thinks McEwan is transitioning to a new phase in his career, one as a short-story writer. This kind of work (really, Saturday was a big old short story, itself) is clearly what fascinates him.
But are publishers afraid that Big Book Authors like McEwan won't sell enough if their work says "Stories" or "A Novella?" What do you think?
Posted by Bethanne Patrick on June 14, 2007 | Comments (4)
