A review of the audio book version of On Chesil Beach. Read by the author, Ian McEwan, this is an interesting listen, the interview included is fascinating.

The unabridged audio book version of On Chesil Beach is read by the author, Ian McEwan. This gives the book an added depth, listening to the words read as the author means them to sound is a rare experience. Ian McEwan’s obvious deep understanding of the characters behind the two main players, Edward and Florence, and his appreciation of the plot means that the reading of the book churns gently along like the shingles on Chesil Beach.

The Story

The story is a micro snapshot into the lives of Edward and Florence. As readers, or in this instance listeners, we observe the excruciating circumstances that change these two people’s lives forever. We are watching the afternoon and evening of their wedding day and we see a reflection of attitudes of the time with the inhibitions and naiveties, two people fumbling their way towards what should be a happy consummation of a wedding night – but do we see more? Throughout the book there are references that might explain some of the attitudes and behavior.

This book follows on from the style of Saturday, Ian McEwan's previous novel which explored in depth the happenings on a single day. In this book, Ian McEwan takes us even closer, giving us the sometimes uncomfortable position of watching almost minute by minute the unfolding of a set of circumstances, illustrated with background events from Edward and Florence’s lives.

The Interview

Included with the audiobook is an interview with the author, Ian McEwan.

The interview is conducted by John Mullan, Professor of English at UCL. This is highly illuminating and provides a wonderful insight into the background of the book.

Ian McEwan explains some chapters and ideas that he had that did not make it into the book. One of these would have appeared towards the end and simply would have been Edward reading a newspaper article about Florence’s father being imprisoned for sex with minors. This is tremendously significant and understanding what was going through Ian McEwan’s mind as he approached the plot will confirm the thought process of many readers.

Does On Chesil Beach Work as an Audio Book?

Yes, very much so. Ian McEwan has a smooth narrative style and is a pleasure to listen to. His calm and authoritative reading of the story, without the need to resort to characterization, keeps the plot moving along.

In the interview Ian McEwan says that he enjoys reading his books out loud and getting audience feedback. This is apparent in this reading of On Chesil Beach and his reading style and pacing is perfect for the book.

On Chesil Beach works extremely well as an audio book. The reading of the book is reasonably short – reflecting the book itself - at a little over four and a half hours, making this is a good audio book to listen to on a journey.

The interview is extremely illuminating and is recommended listening.

Who Should Listen to On Chesil Beach Audio Book?

This audio book is for people who:

* Are seeking a relatively short and poignant listen

* Enjoy reflecting on different aspects of life and people

* Are comfortable with explicit descriptions of a sexual nature

This audio book is not for people who:

* Are looking for a fast moving plot

* Are seeking a definitive happy / tragic ending

* Are expecting a traditional story

Further Information

The audio book of On Chesil Beach is available from book stores and online retailers such as Audible.com.

Further Reading:

• Ian McEwan Official Website
• Contemporary Writers - Ian McEwan

Take a look at some of these related articles for further reading about Audiobooks:

• Review of World Without End by Ken Follett and read by Richard E Grant
• Profile of audiobook online retailer, Audible.com
• Information about free audiobooks from Librivox.org