The Motion of the Body Through Space

A Novel

By: Lionel Shriver

Narrated by: Laurence Bouvard

In Lionel Shriver's entertaining send-up of today's cult of exercise - which not only encourages better health, but now like all religions also seems to promise meaning, social superiority, and eternal life - an aging husband’s sudden obsession with extreme sport makes him unbearable.

After an ignominious early retirement, Remington announces to his wife Serenata that he's decided to run a marathon. This from a sedentary man in his 60s who's never done a lick of exercise in his life. His wife can't help but observe that his ambition is "hopelessly trite". A loner, Serenata disdains mass group activities of any sort. Besides, his timing is cruel. Serenata has long been the couple's exercise freak, but by age 60, her private fitness regimes have destroyed her knees, and she'll soon face debilitating surgery. Yes, becoming more active would be good for Remington's heart, but then why not just go for a walk? Without several thousand of your closest friends?

As Remington joins the cult of fitness that increasingly consumes the Western world, her once-modest husband burgeons into an unbearable narcissist. Ignoring all his other obligations, he engages a saucy, sexy personal trainer named Bambi, who treats Serenata with contempt. When Remington sets his sights on the legendarily grueling triathlon, MettleMan, Serenata is sure he'll end up injured or dead. And even if he does survive, their marriage may not.

The Motion of the Body Through Space is vintage Lionel Shriver written with psychological insight, a rich cast of characters, lots of verve and petulance, an astute reading of contemporary culture, and an emotionally resonant ending.

©2020 Lionel Shriver (P)2020 HarperAudio

Another great story by this author

For someone who over exercised in this part this was a real eye opener in addition the abundance of cultural takedowns

The worst narration ever

Had to stop listening because of Remington’s voice. It is intolerable. What a shame as I wanted to listen to this book :(

Book club

I think it would be a great book club book. The characters seem very realistic for their age group and it’s relatable to today’s issues. Good descriptions.

Very Good!

I really enjoyed this listen, and applaud Shriver's ability to articulate a wide variety of important topics in a thoughtful and entertaining way.

Also, the narrator was perfect when reading the protagonist's prose (which was thankfully for a majority of the book) but. . .when she was reading dialogue for the husband, Remington, or for 'Bambi Buffer' . . .IMHO. . . it was like nails on a chalkboard.
Overall I was truly engrossed by the listen, and definitely recommend!

Annoying

The vocalization of the male characters sounds like a woman trying to be a man with a bucketload of gravel mixed in. This annoying feature of the audible book is not enough to stop me from finishing the book as the author's ideas and talent at writing conversation trumped the fingernails on the blackboard.

Beautifully written; oddly narrated

Loved the writing, the thoughtful treatment of issues like aging, fitness culture, marriage roles, introvert vs extrovert, changing roles in a relationship, etc. HOWEVER, I have to wonder if the narrator has ever actually heard a human man speak. She did a great job with narrating the protagonist, Serenata, but all the men sound like weird caricatures, ESPECIALLY Remington, the husband. The voice she used for him for the entire book was excruciating to listen to … sounded like a very angry cartoon rooster … really detracted from the dialog between husband and wife (and there is a lot of dialog), since it was impossible to take the husband seriously, with the ranting monotone the narrator chose. By contrast, the wife’s “voice” was carefully nuanced and modulated, pleasant and easy to listen to. It’s too bad this quirky narration detracted from an excellent novel.

Round 2 of NOT ABLE TO LISTEN TO THE NARRATOR

I anxiously await any new work from Lionel Shriver. Hands down my favorite contemporary writer so when I purchased the first time I was so disappointed by the narrator's attempt at Remington's voice. It sounds like OSCAR THE GROUCH, FROM THE BRONX. Serenata's voice was fine but I am truly amazed that the producers of the audio version approved the attempted male voice. I read the book (outstanding, per usual!) and wanted to listen while I fail at maintaining a clean house (two adults WFH with two small horses, our 100+ lb. rescue dogs) during the pandemic so I purchase again, and guess what? Not only is it impossible to keep the house clean enough but it's also impossible to ignore Remington! It's so jarring, he's constantly in ALL CAPS...yelling every line, making it a challenge to follow the story, even after I've read the book. Such a drag. I'm sure the narrator is a strong one or she wouldn't have gotten the job but, wow, BOO to production.

As we expect from Lionel

Very good dialogue - used to skewer a number of straw men but also to lay out some of the more excruciating, and funny, aspects of life. Inter generational clashes are especially spicy.

A must read or listen. Loved it!

This is one of the most captivating books I’ve read in years. Speaks directly to the state of culture while poking fun at it. Explores all the inner thoughts of both the protagonist and antagonist, you’ll most likely find your own reflection in both characters. Also if your listening the voice over is great (of which that irony is not lost).

Shriver strikes again!

Lionel Shriver had written another intelligent and thoughtful book with insight into how individuals live today and sound reflections on the idiocy of much of the larger world. Keep it up!