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Available
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Description
A young backpacker in Thailand searching for something different learns of the existence of an idyllic island which is not even on the map. The novel describes his jungle journey to reach the island where he discovers a secret commune of international drifters living off fish and pot. The man's arrival coincides with growing tension between factions, leading to the commune's violent demise. A first novel.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Koma
loved it. have a thing for books about young people experimenting with drugs and life. a fascinating book about a young man, out traveling the world and ends up being seduced by the idea of living on a 'paradise' beach only to find out that paradise isn't what it seams.
LibraryThing member edgeworth
I read this novel in the first week of my round-the-world backpacking trip (in fact, I'm writing this review in a decaying hotel in Phuket) when I was and still am disillusioned with Thailand. We arrived on the islands of the Andaman Sea only to find over and over again, on Ko Lipe and Ko Lanta and
The Beach, therefore, fit my mood perfectly well. It's a novel about a young British backpacker named Richard, who sees Thailand the same way I do, who wanted paradise and instead found purgatory. On his first night in the country, Richard meets a crazed Scotsman in the room next to his in a cheap Bangkok hostel, who rants about a wonderful beach and then leaves a map taped to his room door. When he goes to ask the Scot about the map, Richard finds that he has committed suicide.
With a newly-met French couple, Richard decides to hunt down the beach, on an island somewhere in a marine park west of Ko Samui. After paying a fisherman to illegally drop them off in the marine park, swimming across a channel, crossing a marijuana field guarded by Thais with AK-47s, and jumping down a waterfall, the trio discover the idyllic beach, where a group of about thirty Westerners have developed a commune of sorts. They grow and hunt their own food, swim in an unspoilt lagoon, laze around smoking marijuana and generally enjoy paradise on earth.
All does not remain well, of course. The Beach has a very strong Lord of the Flies and Apocalypse Now vibe, delving into the dark heart of the human soul, the things man is capable of, the horror and the violence. There's also explicit influence from the Vietnam War in general. Towards the later passages it's quite gripping; as Richard tries to escape the community, there was also a taste of the climax of Fight Club.
It doesn't always quite stick together. I didn't always buy that a self-reliant, self-sufficient community could turn on itself so easy, and the escalation of violence seemed to be missing a few steps somewhere along the way; there were a few unbelievable leaps. But I bought most of it,and on the whole it was a great read.
It was also, of course, a movie, starring Leonardo di Caprio and directed by Danny Boyle. I haven't seen the movie in years and have only vague memories of it, but it has 19% on Rotten Tomatoes, so you're probably better off reading the book. It was filmed on the southern island of Ko Phi Phi, as the travel agencies there were always ready to tell me, and because the film studio didn't think it looked enough like paradise they brought in a bulldozer to shape the beach a little, removing some trees and adding some more sand. This angered the Thais, who said the producers had damaged the island's natural landscape, and the lawsuits went for years.
If you ever go to Ko Phi Phi, take a look around at the huge piles of rubbish, at the endless rows of resorts, at the longtail motors dumping waste into the ocean, at the layer of scum that clings to the surface of the water all along the coastline, and you decide for yourself who did more damage to the island.
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Ko Phi Phi, that what had once been a beautiful tropical paradise had been ruined by tourism, degradation, and pollution. The beaches are strewn with rubbish. The coral is all dead. The wildlife is gone. The islands are drowning beneath resorts, hotels, bars, hawkers, and endless swarms of Westerners who want nothing more than to get shitfaced somewhere warmer than London or Toronto. It's an awful place, all the more so because it's a corpse of something that used to be beautiful.The Beach, therefore, fit my mood perfectly well. It's a novel about a young British backpacker named Richard, who sees Thailand the same way I do, who wanted paradise and instead found purgatory. On his first night in the country, Richard meets a crazed Scotsman in the room next to his in a cheap Bangkok hostel, who rants about a wonderful beach and then leaves a map taped to his room door. When he goes to ask the Scot about the map, Richard finds that he has committed suicide.
With a newly-met French couple, Richard decides to hunt down the beach, on an island somewhere in a marine park west of Ko Samui. After paying a fisherman to illegally drop them off in the marine park, swimming across a channel, crossing a marijuana field guarded by Thais with AK-47s, and jumping down a waterfall, the trio discover the idyllic beach, where a group of about thirty Westerners have developed a commune of sorts. They grow and hunt their own food, swim in an unspoilt lagoon, laze around smoking marijuana and generally enjoy paradise on earth.
All does not remain well, of course. The Beach has a very strong Lord of the Flies and Apocalypse Now vibe, delving into the dark heart of the human soul, the things man is capable of, the horror and the violence. There's also explicit influence from the Vietnam War in general. Towards the later passages it's quite gripping; as Richard tries to escape the community, there was also a taste of the climax of Fight Club.
It doesn't always quite stick together. I didn't always buy that a self-reliant, self-sufficient community could turn on itself so easy, and the escalation of violence seemed to be missing a few steps somewhere along the way; there were a few unbelievable leaps. But I bought most of it,and on the whole it was a great read.
It was also, of course, a movie, starring Leonardo di Caprio and directed by Danny Boyle. I haven't seen the movie in years and have only vague memories of it, but it has 19% on Rotten Tomatoes, so you're probably better off reading the book. It was filmed on the southern island of Ko Phi Phi, as the travel agencies there were always ready to tell me, and because the film studio didn't think it looked enough like paradise they brought in a bulldozer to shape the beach a little, removing some trees and adding some more sand. This angered the Thais, who said the producers had damaged the island's natural landscape, and the lawsuits went for years.
If you ever go to Ko Phi Phi, take a look around at the huge piles of rubbish, at the endless rows of resorts, at the longtail motors dumping waste into the ocean, at the layer of scum that clings to the surface of the water all along the coastline, and you decide for yourself who did more damage to the island.
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LibraryThing member ellenmarine
Absolutely breathtaking book - one that I'd been meaning to read for a very long time, but only actually got into earlier this year.
The informal, conversational narrative and fast pace make it an engaging read, and the healthy dose of British dry wit is really the icing on the cake.
The film -
The informal, conversational narrative and fast pace make it an engaging read, and the healthy dose of British dry wit is really the icing on the cake.
The film -
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despite being fairly enjoyable - doesn't do the book justice, so I would definitely recommend reading this even if you weren't bowled over by the film. Show Less
LibraryThing member wethewatched
I picked up this book after realizing the author wrote the screenplay to 28 Days Later, one of my favorite films. Once I got started on The Beach, I consumed it pretty fast. It's written in a very casual first-person voice and the chapters are very short, so it's a fairly easy read. There's also a
It's not a perfect novel. Once the main characters get to the eponymous beach, there are long passages of not much actually happening. It's mostly just conversations with other characters. That's great for getting to know them, but I felt like there was potential for more action, particularly with the tropical setting. I could sense something crazy would happen, and that held me, but the novel took a while to get there.
Still, the payoff is pretty exciting (and really dark), so The Beach is definitely worth reading to the end. Looking forward to reading and watching more of Garland's work in the future!
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fair amount of dark stuff that happens, which kept me absorbed and anxious to keep reading.It's not a perfect novel. Once the main characters get to the eponymous beach, there are long passages of not much actually happening. It's mostly just conversations with other characters. That's great for getting to know them, but I felt like there was potential for more action, particularly with the tropical setting. I could sense something crazy would happen, and that held me, but the novel took a while to get there.
Still, the payoff is pretty exciting (and really dark), so The Beach is definitely worth reading to the end. Looking forward to reading and watching more of Garland's work in the future!
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LibraryThing member burritapal
This book is about a despised lifestyle of entitled youths who are so entitled that they can go ruin paradise in Asia with their runaway numbers. An English boy in Thailand finds out about"the beach," a "paradise" on a remote island in the gulf of Thailand, prohibited to visitors. Well, that's the
This is somewhat entertaining, but the entitlement, the animal cruelty, and the racism were hard to take. I won't be reading anymore from this author.
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kind of prohibition that he's bound to break, so he sets off with a French boy and girl, determined to make paradise their own. Amazingly enough, despite huge obstacles, they do make their way there, and join a small community of other entitled boys and girls playing at hippie commune. Because humans are, well, human, paradise can't last for long, plus, this place never belonged to them, right? This is somewhat entertaining, but the entitlement, the animal cruelty, and the racism were hard to take. I won't be reading anymore from this author.
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LibraryThing member npbone
It's a conventional spin off of Lord of the Flies. I can't really say that I got this book. I like reading books about group dyanmics where things spin wildly out of control, but only if people act in ways that still seem reasonable to themselves. The way many people act in The Beach and the
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situations they bring about seem to be the act of lunatics with no real cause for lunacy. Show Less
LibraryThing member mrtall
Although The Beach is a bit juvenile and derivative at points, it's a fun read. I've done my share of traveling in SE Asia, and unfortunately a number of the stereotypical headcases Garland includes in his cast of characters seemed all too plausible to me.
LibraryThing member tgsalter
Absolutely chilling -- backpacker culture in SE Asia -- young people (GenerationX) whose mental landscape is framed by Vietnam, Game Boys and TV. (Like mine was shaped by Father Knows Best)The story rushes along to its terrible end.
LibraryThing member minxy_ukusa
Even if, like me, you thought the film was crap please please please take the trouble to read the book. Its ones of those reads where the characters flesh out with your imagination and come alive in your head.
LibraryThing member kevin277
What do we seek when we travel? A different view/ paradigm, or to experience what we have only heard or dreamt about. For everyone it is different, but usually more than what we imagine.
Beautifully written this compelling novel could be seen as a fable warning that we don't always get what we
An escapist voyage into the idelic 'undiscovered' East,
that slowly dissends into a nightmare of survivalism.
Paradise unravels when human nature emerges to question the reality & longevity of idealism. And there is darkness that lurks just beneth the surface, even in the most beautiful of places or people.
Beautifully written this compelling novel could be seen as a fable warning that we don't always get what we
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expect.An escapist voyage into the idelic 'undiscovered' East,
that slowly dissends into a nightmare of survivalism.
Paradise unravels when human nature emerges to question the reality & longevity of idealism. And there is darkness that lurks just beneth the surface, even in the most beautiful of places or people.
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LibraryThing member whitewavedarling
I've got a soft spot for this book, because with every read I notice more details, more comes together, and I enjoy it at a deeper level than the last time. I know people who'll say it's a rip-off of Lord of the Flies, but don't believe it. This is an adult novel filled with generational themes,
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pop culture, and character. It is both fuller and more worthwhile than Lord of the Flies, and students react well to it, I've learned after teaching it four times in contemporary literature. The references to Vietnam and the underlying idea of that particular war also add a dimension to the novel that can't really be described, but is incredibly appropriate. There's a great deal here to think and talk about. Show Less
LibraryThing member flissp
Although not exactly a classic, this is a tense quick enjoyable holiday read.
LibraryThing member soylentgreen23
A friend at university recommended this to me; she then left for a nine week visit to Thailand, so I don't think the ending made much of an impression on her.
Garland's work is really great, but I think it's in danger of being overlooked because of the second rate dirge that was shown in the
Garland's work is really great, but I think it's in danger of being overlooked because of the second rate dirge that was shown in the
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cinemas, with Di Crapio at the height of his crappiness. Show Less
LibraryThing member crookpe
maybe my favorite novel of all times. do not see the movie. read the book.
LibraryThing member justine
Really crazy end to a challenging book about the dark side of utiopia
LibraryThing member Mockers
Much much much better than the dreadful film would have you believe. I went to an advance screening of the film that ended in a discussion with Alex Garland and Danny Boyle. Garland seemed disappointed in the film to say the least as were the majority of the audience. The book is compelling and
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pacy. Whenever I re-read this book I have to set aside a weekend and just plough on with it. Not the best writing in the world but Garland can tell a story. Show Less
LibraryThing member thughes11
The beach is about a Back Packer named Richard who is exploring Thailand. Here he receives a map to an island from a crazy man who committed suicide. So, Richard and some friends decide to follow the map to the island. The reason why he follows the map is because here are rumors about he island and
The book is highly connected to the utopia theme. The main character sets out for the utopia island and the majority of the novel takes place here. It is interesting how this utopia acts. It is similar to Candide because everyone on the island has a specific job to work for. Even though it is a utopia there conflicts still arise.
I thought this book was excellent and one of my favorite books of all time. It is action packed and there is constantly something going on to keep you on the edge of your seat. We should read this book because it is very interesting and relates to the utopia theme. I strongly recommend this book to all readers who want to be sucked into an incrediblestory.
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many believe it is a secret utopian society. They reach the paradise island utopia, but there are still many conflicts the characters over come. A main issue is to keep the utopia secret. The book is highly connected to the utopia theme. The main character sets out for the utopia island and the majority of the novel takes place here. It is interesting how this utopia acts. It is similar to Candide because everyone on the island has a specific job to work for. Even though it is a utopia there conflicts still arise.
I thought this book was excellent and one of my favorite books of all time. It is action packed and there is constantly something going on to keep you on the edge of your seat. We should read this book because it is very interesting and relates to the utopia theme. I strongly recommend this book to all readers who want to be sucked into an incrediblestory.
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LibraryThing member Clueless
Lord of the Flies set in Thailand. What can I say? Way.Cool.
LibraryThing member rphbamf
The Beach by Alex Garland
Have you seen the movie, of the same name? I have, but I cant remember it. So I wasn’t clouded by comparing-movie-and-book-itis while I read it.
So. A secret island full of pot and a bunch of crunchy hippies who live a life in paradise. Of course they’re crazy. I hope
There isn’t much to say really. It’s a straightforward story with a linear plot, likeable characters, and exotic locations. I really enjoyed it, and I think other people would too.
4 on LibraryThing.
Have you seen the movie, of the same name? I have, but I cant remember it. So I wasn’t clouded by comparing-movie-and-book-itis while I read it.
So. A secret island full of pot and a bunch of crunchy hippies who live a life in paradise. Of course they’re crazy. I hope
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I’m not spoiling anything.There isn’t much to say really. It’s a straightforward story with a linear plot, likeable characters, and exotic locations. I really enjoyed it, and I think other people would too.
4 on LibraryThing.
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LibraryThing member nscott
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in your own perfect word by yourself? That is what Alex Garland portrays in the novel The Beach.
Richard, the main character, is originally from London and is now. While he was staying at a guest house in Bangkok he meets a French couple,
In the novel the people on the beach tried to create this perfect society. They cut off themselves from the rest of society so they could have their utopia. But their utopia soon turns into a dystopia when the outsiders, Richard, Francoise, Etienne, Sammy & Zeph, come and disrupt their paradise.
I have a very high opinion of his novel. I think that it’s a good read especially for teenagers. For me it was really easy to read and on top of that it was also interesting.
Richard, the main character, is originally from London and is now. While he was staying at a guest house in Bangkok he meets a French couple,
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Etienne and Francoise, and has a confrontation with a man named Mr. Duck. The next day Richard finds that Mr. Duck has killed himself and left a map for Richard. Richard then sees that on the map is a beach that cannot be reached by tourists. He then tells Etienne and Francoise of the map so they all decided to go along and find this secret place. On the way to find the beach Richard, Francoise and Etienne meet two American guys named Sammy and Zeph. These five people then make their journey to find their own beach utopia. But when they get to their own paradise they realize that they are not the only ones there. In the novel the people on the beach tried to create this perfect society. They cut off themselves from the rest of society so they could have their utopia. But their utopia soon turns into a dystopia when the outsiders, Richard, Francoise, Etienne, Sammy & Zeph, come and disrupt their paradise.
I have a very high opinion of his novel. I think that it’s a good read especially for teenagers. For me it was really easy to read and on top of that it was also interesting.
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LibraryThing member carioca
I did not like this book nor the film. The book just reminded all along of Lord of the Flies, and while I respect, understand and accept that writers use other works as inspiration, it just rang too close to home for me and with none of the same finesse Golding has. And the movie - well, for the
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longest time I had trouble taking DiCaprio seriously. This has somewhat improved with Catch me if you Can and The Departed, but it is a work in progress... Show Less
LibraryThing member Cygnus555
Very engaging read. I liked it so much I could not bear seeing Leonardo attempt to capture this work in film! Page Turner!
LibraryThing member hippietrail
Considering this book was perfectly written as a screenplay, it's hard to believe what a pile of shit the movie version was. This is no great work of fiction but it's very enjoyable as a light read and of a much higher quality than books such as The Da Vinci Code
LibraryThing member wrmjr66
It's good for what it is...a fun page-turner. There isn't too much depth, here, IMO, but it has the makings of a good beach read, including short chapters that allow you to keep your eyes on the kids.
LibraryThing member Mearnest
Looking for a good read that will constantly keep you guessing what happens next? Then you should try The Beach; a story about an English traveler in Bangkok named Richard who meets a man named Daffy who leaves Richard a map of a how to get to “the Beach” before killing himself. Richard, along
The Beach is a utopian world for everyone that lives there. They sleep, smoke, drink, play soccer and do one job a day. It seems as if life can’t get any better than the Beach, no outside world to worry about, just friends and good fun. However, it also has dystopian qualities such as exclusion, insanity and even death. Alex Garland sends the message to readers that even what seems to be a perfect world has its flaws; reminding readers that reality and the rest of the world is never too far away. The Beach is a utopian world with dystopian aspects that make the book impossible to put down, just when you think everything is perfect, a new twist is added and you are left guessing yet again.
Overall, I thought that this was an incredible book and probably one of my new favorites. It’s a good change from old and difficult to read literature; it’s a fun read with a modern twist and easy I found it easy to relate to many of the emotions the characters were feeling. Anyone who is looking for an unpredictable and addictive book should consider reading The Beach, I promise you will not be disappointed.
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with a French couple he meets in his hotel decide to make the journey and try to find the Beach; curious as to what it could be since the island it is located on is off limits to tourists. They take a boat to an island nearest the Beach and then use a raft to get to the next island. Upon arrival, they are confused because there is no one around, so they decide to trek across the island and try and find it. Along the way, they discover they are in the midst of a dope field with guards patrolling everywhere. They make it past the field and are able to find the beach. Richard struggles to understand how it has been kept so secret while enjoying the wonderful life of the Beach. However, Richard quickly learns that there are disadvantages to being there and figures out that the Beach is not always what it seems...The Beach is a utopian world for everyone that lives there. They sleep, smoke, drink, play soccer and do one job a day. It seems as if life can’t get any better than the Beach, no outside world to worry about, just friends and good fun. However, it also has dystopian qualities such as exclusion, insanity and even death. Alex Garland sends the message to readers that even what seems to be a perfect world has its flaws; reminding readers that reality and the rest of the world is never too far away. The Beach is a utopian world with dystopian aspects that make the book impossible to put down, just when you think everything is perfect, a new twist is added and you are left guessing yet again.
Overall, I thought that this was an incredible book and probably one of my new favorites. It’s a good change from old and difficult to read literature; it’s a fun read with a modern twist and easy I found it easy to relate to many of the emotions the characters were feeling. Anyone who is looking for an unpredictable and addictive book should consider reading The Beach, I promise you will not be disappointed.
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Awards
Betty Trask Prize and Awards (Prize Winner — Winner — 1997)