Motion of the Body Through Space

Lionel Shriver's novel "The Motion of the Body Through Space" is a satire on fitness zealotry and culture-war intrigue. It follows Serenata, who has destroyed her knees due to physical activity, as her husband Remington joins the cult of fitness and becomes an unbearable narcissist. The book is described as Shriver's hilarious, sharp-eyed, and audacious best.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 368 pages
\n Publication date: 29 April 2021
\n Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
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From the acclaimed author of We Need to Talk About Kevin, comes a novel that delves into the world of fitness obsession and the consequences it can have on relationships. "Enjoyably abrasive" and "compelling," this book is a sardonic and elegant exploration of human behavior.

The Evening Standard describes it as "scabrously funny," while the Guardian praises Shriver for her ability to be "entertainingly problematic." The Financial Times praises her wit and observations about human behavior, particularly in the dynamics between couples who have been together for a long time.

Shriver is known for her bold and fearless comedy, and in this novel, she takes aim at the narcissistic modern cult of exercise. When Serenata's husband, Remington, takes up exercise and engages an attractive personal trainer called Bambi, their lives are turned upside down.

Serenata has always been active, running, swimming, and cycling, but as she approaches her 60th birthday, her knees have suffered the consequences. Meanwhile, Remington, who has been a sedentary man his entire life, suddenly becomes obsessed with fitness. He joins a gym, starts training with Bambi, and quickly becomes an unbearable narcissist.

As Remington's fitness journey progresses, he announces his intention to compete in a legendary gruelling triathlon. Serenata is sure he is going to end up injured or dead, but the stubbornness of an ageing man in Lycra is not to be underestimated.

The story of an ageing man in Lycra is a satire on fitness zealotry, but it is also a poignant exploration of the dynamics between couples and the challenges of ageing. Shriver's writing is sharp and witty, and her characters are fully realized and relatable.

This novel is a must-read for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the world of fitness or who has ever wondered what happens when a man in Lycra becomes a narcissist. With laugh-out-loud and sad moments, it is a pinpoint-sharp novel that will leave readers entertained and thoughtful.

\n Weight: 322g\n
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 30 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780007560813\n \n