Description

Book Synopsis

After the war is over, a radioactive cloud begins to sweep southwards on the winds, gradually poisoning everything in its path. An American submarine captain is among the survivors left sheltering in Australia, preparing with the locals for the inevitable. Despite his memories of his wife, he becomes close to a young woman struggling to accept the harsh realities of their situation. Then a faint Morse code signal is picked up, transmitting from the United States and the submarine must set sail through the bleak ocean to search for signs of life.

On the Beach is Nevil Shute''s most powerful novel. Both gripping and intensely moving, its impact is unforgettable.



Trade Review
Shute's most considerable achievement * Daily Telegraph *
The most evocative novel on the aftermath of a nuclear war * The Times *
Fictions such as On the Beach played an important role in raising awareness about the threat of nuclear war. We stared into the abyss and then stepped back from the brink * Guardian *
Still incredibly moving after nearly half a century * Economist *
Timely and ironic..an indelibly sad ending that leaves you tearful and disturbed * Los Angeles Times *

On the Beach

    Product form

    £9.49

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £9.99 – you save £0.50 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Sat 25 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Nevil Shute

    10 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of On the Beach by Nevil Shute

      Publisher: Vintage Publishing
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 03/09/2009
      ISBN13: 9780099530251, 978-0099530251
      ISBN10: 0099530252
      Also in:
      Fiction

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      After the war is over, a radioactive cloud begins to sweep southwards on the winds, gradually poisoning everything in its path. An American submarine captain is among the survivors left sheltering in Australia, preparing with the locals for the inevitable. Despite his memories of his wife, he becomes close to a young woman struggling to accept the harsh realities of their situation. Then a faint Morse code signal is picked up, transmitting from the United States and the submarine must set sail through the bleak ocean to search for signs of life.

      On the Beach is Nevil Shute''s most powerful novel. Both gripping and intensely moving, its impact is unforgettable.



      Trade Review
      Shute's most considerable achievement * Daily Telegraph *
      The most evocative novel on the aftermath of a nuclear war * The Times *
      Fictions such as On the Beach played an important role in raising awareness about the threat of nuclear war. We stared into the abyss and then stepped back from the brink * Guardian *
      Still incredibly moving after nearly half a century * Economist *
      Timely and ironic..an indelibly sad ending that leaves you tearful and disturbed * Los Angeles Times *

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account