Staff Pick
One of McEwan's stellar character studies, On Chesil Beach is the story of a marriage gone horribly wrong, almost before it's begun. Florence is particularly naive about the mechanics of marriage, and though she and Edward are close friends, they don't communicate about things that are vital. McEwan produces a book that feels like a veiled glimpse into the intimate lives of this couple at the crossroads of romance, desire, and fear. Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com