Super Short Summary

In The Beach by Alex Garland, protagonist Richard, born during the Vietnam War, arrives in Bangkok seeking adventure. He finds a map to a mysterious island after the map's owner dies by suicide. Richard, along with two acquaintances, embarks on a journey to this hidden beach. They eventually settle into an isolated community that grows increasingly unstable, leading to catastrophic events and eventual escape. The book includes references to death by suicide, sexual assault, and drug use.