Motion of the Body Through Space, The
Shriver, LionelIn the yin and yang of a well-established marriage, Serenata and Remington are poised to swap places. Serenata, with a lifetime of pounding the pavement under her belt, now faces hanging up her running shoes for a bout of knee surgery. Remington's previous abhorrence of exercise is replaced with a born-again conversion to extreme sport, aided and abetted by his youthful personal trainer, Bambi. Forced into early retirement, Remington now has the time to devote to the demands of his new cult, and money too, courtesy of their retirement funds.
Entertaining and provocative, this satirical story offers perceptive insights on not only ageing and the elite fitness industry, but other contentious issues of the day.
Pages
338
338
Year
2020
2020
Reviews
16-10-2023
This book was certainly well researched and cleverly written. It was agreed that it was difficult to find empathy with any of the characters, except perhaps the elderly father-in-law. Such a group of selfish, self-centred people. In today's world, it is amazing so much money is invested in paying so called 'personal trainers' and cost of equipment and huge entry fees. Massive financial layout. Clever author, very much a wordsmith.
13-03-2023
Mixed views - all liked the writing, but the characters failed to engage.
03-03-2023
This book prompted some interesting discussion, but some found the tone smug and unpleasant! This wasn't the case for everyone.
02-03-2023
Some of us liked it, some hated it. We all thought it had a very weak ending, and we thought the notes were excellent.
25-11-2022
Many found it confronting and hard to get into. Those that read it enjoyed the second half, but found the 'ranty-philosophising' a bit boring. Interesting conversation around cultural appropriation and the fanaticism of the fitness cult.
30-09-2022
The whole group thought this was an easy read but we couldn't find a single character that was nice except for the daughter, whose humour we enjoyed.
23-09-2022
Not an easy read. Many of us couldn't finish. We felt that the author did not really convey what she was trying to depict.
01-09-2022
The subject material promised a lot - but was protracted in parts and didn't deliver. Some in the group found it too wordy - others frustrating. A couple didn't complete it, a couple said they enjoyed it.
22-06-2022
Mixed views - some people didn't like the characters (eg. Serenata self-absorbed and uncaring). Others disliked the writing style (too wordy). The book seemed to push the boundaries in poking fun at ultra- fitness as a religion. A good discussion though, with lots of laughs.
27-04-2022
Excellent book - very witty. We ALL enjoyed this one!
11-10-2021
Fascinating book. Everyone enjoyed it. Many sub-themes. Highly recommended. Though some of the vocabulary a little 'try hard'!! (Sorry about the pun!) Very cleverly written.