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May 2016:

 On The Beach by Nevil Shute

On The Beach
by Nevil Shute.

First Published: 1957


Book Club Review:
Friday 13th May



On The Beach
by Nevil Shute.

A wonderful evening with curry provided by Cath! Thank you.

Opinions were divided on this book, but all agreed that it was very much of its time and as such very dated. Some who had read it before, noted with interest the difference in their reaction then and now. How times had changed! The blatant sexism was not noted before. Of the two female characters, one was a drunk and the other was dim-witted in the extreme. (Although I personally rather liked Moira.) The baby was treated as an “it” rather than a living human being. The threat of Nuclear War was very much an issue in the past and not now. (Let us hope that continues to be the case.)

All found the characters to be very restrained, keeping life as normal as long as possible. Dwight Towers carrying the dictates of the American Navy out to the last letter refusing to allow alcohol on his ship and scuttling his ship at the last minute. The only possible exceptions were those who chose to throw caution to the wind on the road race and those who sort refuge in alcohol. All found it strange that there was no anger, no revolt or discussion. We wondered how WE would react in a similar situation. To some it was a comment on society of the time or of how people would react when they knew the timing of everyone’s death and that there was no following generation to carry on.

Opinion was divided as to whether the book was interesting or in fact extremely boring. Most found it compelling, if very undramatic and mundane. The author seems to suggest that something may happen but in fact it never does. The Morse Code in America turns out to be of no significance what so ever; John Osbourne does not go mad on the submarine as suggested he might; the newspaper smuggled onto the submarine does not cause a problem. Those who had not read the book before or who did not know the story, (a definite advantage) expected Moira and Dwight to get together at the end or for there to some last minute rescue. Some questioned the science and wondered why plants, animals and trees were not affected.

For some, its very banality made it compelling; for others, just plain boring.

Jan Capel 3***


The book catalysed an excellent discussion as reflected above.
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More information at:
Goodreads.com

AA Book Club
Three stars