A review by nathanjhunt
The Beach by Alex Garland

adventurous dark funny inspiring relaxing tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

My 33rd book finished in 2023.

I brought this book with me from the UK; travelled with it through the Caribbean and South America just so I could read it in Thailand! I read sections of it in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Da Nang in Vietnam. I left it in a book cafe in Hoi An.

I can't fault it. I genuinely felt like I couldn't put it down. For such a thick book, it's so easy to read and enjoyable. 

Reading it in Thailand and Vietnam really added a new, relatable depth to it. Probably my favourite fiction book of all time. SO much better than the film.