Shriver running on instinct

TheMotion of theBodyThrough Space byLionel Shriver, Harper Collins, $35

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. WeNeed to Talk about Kevin was Lionel Shriver’s eighth novel, published in 2003, and for her it was a make or break story. Luckily it became a best-seller, scored theOrange prize, and starred Tilda Swinton in the primary role on the big screen. Shriver headsmy list in what I call pyscho drama and that’s where The Motion of the Body Through Space comes in.

It’s the story of a couple teetering on the brink of joining the ranks of seniors, and putting up a grand fight in refusing to acknowledge it. Serenata has spent her life addicted to exercise, succumbing to a brutal daily regimen. Trouble is, her body, specifically her knees, have put up the stop sign. She is devastated, and things only get worse when her lifelong sedentary husband announces that he’s going to run amarathon.

As Serenata prepares for surgery, hermood collapses as Remington hits his straps as a newbie and dedicates himself to his newquest for fitness. This plays on Serenata’s mind, and her jealousy climbs in leaps and bounds as Remington signs on with a young attractive female as his personal trainer.

Shriver has, once again, made what is a pretty simple plot, into amind-bending psychological battle. Frankly the finale could head in dozens of directions, but her choice is simple and hard to argue with. Highly recommended.

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