On Chesil Beach
Ian McEwan, , read by the author. . Random House Audio, $29.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-7393-4371-5
It should not come as a surprise that Florence and Edward, newlyweds who cannot discuss their previous sexual experiences (or lack thereof), do not communicate out loud with one another until all their emotions boil over at the conclusion of the first night of their honeymoon. That their lives are constructed as narratives and memories makes this novella a particularly good choice for McEwan to perform his own work. McEwan provides a deft sense of cadence, timing and emphasis. McEwan reads this poignant, sad and occasionally amusing gem with entrancing skill, precision and perfect pace. In short, McEwan's performance is mesmerizing. An excellent addition to the recording is a thoughtful interview with the author. The conversation provides insight into McEwan's choice of setting, time period (1962) and characters. McEwan reveals that he tries out his works in progress on audiences, a technique that pays off beautifully. This author-read work is outstanding.
Reviewed on: 08/27/2007
Genre: Audio
Downloadable Audio - 1 pages - 978-1-4159-3881-2
Hardcover - 166 pages - 978-0-224-08118-4
Hardcover - 4 pages - 978-1-84657-100-8
Hardcover - 283 pages - 978-0-7393-2726-5
Hardcover - 166 pages - 978-0-676-97881-0
Hardcover - 203 pages - 978-0-385-52240-3
Open Ebook - 176 pages - 978-1-4070-1313-8
Other - 176 pages - 978-0-385-52305-9
Other - 69 pages - 978-0-307-45582-6
Other - 176 pages - 978-0-307-37121-8
Paperback - 224 pages - 978-0-307-38617-5
Paperback - 166 pages - 978-0-09-951279-0
Paperback - 176 pages - 978-0-676-97882-7
Paperback - 176 pages - 978-1-78470-556-5
Pre-Recorded Audio Player - 978-0-7393-7517-4