Author: Alex Garland Title: The Beach Subject: Travel / Thailand Rank (out of 10): 9 Year Read: 1998 Recommended By: Traveler in India My Comments: A funny backpackers story about travel though Thailand. It also delves deeper into the idea of "utopia" and what we are willing to sacrifice for it. Official Reviews: chapters.indigo Review When a demented madman by the name of Daffy Duck offers Richard, a world weary Brit, a map to paradise he can't resist checking it out. With the hand-drawn map in hand and a French couple to accompany him, Richard sets off for "the Beach," a secluded island near Thailand. When the trio finally reach the island, however, they soon discover that it's not the Utopia they initially thought it was and they once again become disheartened. Richly layered, gripping and thought provoking, The Beach is Alex Garland's astonishing debut novel.