Questions About On Chesil Beach

by Ian McEwan (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

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Answered Questions (6)

Has anyone actually noticed that the girl is actually asexual? I seriously feel like everyone has overlooked that.

Jackie L I don't believe Florence is asexual at all. In fact, on her wedding night, there was a moment where her fear and anxieties were quelled and she began …moreI don't believe Florence is asexual at all. In fact, on her wedding night, there was a moment where her fear and anxieties were quelled and she began to think she might be able to be physical with her partner. She seemed to long for that feeling again. I think her issues are of trust and control.
I believe her trust was shattered by her sexually abusive father. Because she was so young when it happened, she wasn't able to control the situation and therefore as an adult she feels uncomfortable with situations she can't control. That's why she pours herself into her music.
She's in complete control of her violin. She won't even join an orchestra and chooses a quartet, so she can maintain all control in the quartet.(less)

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Was it clearly stated or just a presumption that Florence's father had sexually abused her? I somehow didn't make that connection.

Glenn I think this question illustrates what a superb storyteller Ian McEwan is! The allusion is contained in a fleeting memory and not at all emphasized, b…moreI think this question illustrates what a superb storyteller Ian McEwan is! The allusion is contained in a fleeting memory and not at all emphasized, but it made me sit up like a thunderbolt struck. I re-read that para 3x to make sure I wasn't missing anything, and then looked for other clues as to Florence's father's behaviour throughout the book.

The only other clue I found was the impression Geoffrey Ponting makes on Edward when they first meet.

But that description stuck with me throughout the book as the likely untold tragedy which was never communicated and doomed their relationship.

Like so much about this period of time in the UK, what is said is much less than what isn't said.

I think if the event was more clearly described, then indeed Florence would have 'known' about it and be able to relate this to Edward. (less)

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PLEASE What are motifs in this book ? :) Thank yo uvery much for your answers ;)

Jeanne This book was very much a product of a time. Today Florence could go online and find other women like her which would validate her sense of herself as…moreThis book was very much a product of a time. Today Florence could go online and find other women like her which would validate her sense of herself as either asexual or a victim of child abuse or gay or whatever she is. Today Edward (as it said in the book) would sleep around and have more self confidence and pick up the cues of revulsion from Florence. I think one of the themes was the idea that love and attraction doesn't have to be sexual. They both loved each other to the end of their lives, even though they couldn't have sex. That you don't need sex to be soulmates.(less)

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Is this a book worthy of a book club discussion?

Pazy Davis I would at least check to make sure that everybody in the book club is comfortable reading and discussing a book that's about sex. It's a heavy plot p…moreI would at least check to make sure that everybody in the book club is comfortable reading and discussing a book that's about sex. It's a heavy plot point in the book. There is also a scene that might feel vulgar to some people. While there is no abuse occurring, it also lacks the glossy veneer of sex in a romance novel. The book is short and has a lot to think about and discuss. I just won't recommend this to my own book club as I know it would be far out of the comfort zone of one of our members.(less)

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Was it clear that Florence had married and had a child in the book ?. In the movie you just see her child in the music store.