This issue Catherine Holmes reviews a book she describes as “provocative and darkly witty”: The Motion of the Body through Space by Lionel Shriver.

Serenata and Remington are a couple in their early 60s. A lifelong obsession with physical activity has destroyed Serenata’s knees. Her knee pain is a constant reminder of the miles she has put in on bike and foot for decades and her mind is obsessed with her looming physical limitations. Shockingly her previously sedentary husband decides to get fit…seriously fit.

This clash of circumstances unfolds in darkly amusing ‘Shriver’ style as Remington’s own obsession progresses from marathon to triathlon. Serenata’s resentful reaction causes her to reflect on what part exercise has played in her own life and its effect on her husband and their dysfunctional children. Serenata admits from the outset she’s NOT a very nice person. She’s judgemental and solitary. Her husband’s enforced early retirement, brought about by workplace clashes on diversity issues adds another layer of bitterness. They discuss and argue about their circumstances as their dysfunctional children come and go in the story with their own reasons to blame their mother’s obsession with fitness. When Remington acquires a fit and attractive personal trainer the atmosphere is more strained and Serenata’s bitterness more acidic. Remington’s determination to go further and faster, gathers momentum. His own health is a decider.

I enjoyed the book, I admire the author, but I didn’t like it. There was an underlying dig at the reader by the author which at times caused discomfort. There’s plenty of conflict. Even the characters’ names jar in this text. I found Serenata’s reflections on her marriage and her wrestling with having to watch her husband do what SHE had been obsessed with, fascinating. The interactions between the long-married couple are brilliant.

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This book is provocative and darkly witty. If you’re looking for sentimentality and pleasant escapes this is not the book for you. If you fancy a text with a real edge on a subject rarely written about it’s worth a read. If you’ve adopted a modern, healthy, fitness-obsessed lifestyle then this book will mock you, intrigue you, anger you. You will definitely be ruffled!

Also recommended by this author, “We need to talk about Kevin”, “Big Brother”, “So much for that”, “Property” and “Should we stay or should we go?”

Catherine Holmes