|
|
Article: PRECIOUS STONES OF CHESIL BEACH ; Ian McEwan's latest work is set on a World Heritage Site. So his confession that he scooped pebbles from the shore has caused a storm. By Jonathan Brown ++ A jewel on the Jurassic Coast
- Article from:
- The Independent (London, England)
- Article date:
- April 4, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2007 The Independent - London. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
|
There is an illuminating moment at the start of Ian McEwan's
latest novella On Chesil Beach. It comes as Edward and Florence, two
sensitive but sexually illiterate honeymooners marooned in a pre-
Beatles, post-Chatterleyban Britain, make their first fumblings
towards sexual union.
Edward is halted by the slender resistance of the zip on his new
bride's dress, forcing the virgin couple into an unwanted pause.
Meanwhile, outside the hotel room the sea pounds effortlessly on the
ancient shingle of Chesil Beach like, "hard smacks against the
shore".
Much discussion has revolved around the location in time chosen
by McEwan. This week, however, the geography and geology is in the
spotlight after ...