Body Surfing: A Novel by Anita Shreve
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Book Reviews of Body Surfing: A Novel
Book Review: Scenes and dialogue are very good
Summary: 4 Stars
It would not be hard to imagine the plot of "Body Surfing" serving as a basis for a Harlequin romance. Conversely, I could also imagine someone turning the novel into a play set at the beach house. Scenes and dialogue are very good, and that is the strength of this novelBook Review: Disappointing
Summary: 3 Stars
This is the first time I'm disappointed with one of Ms. Shreve's books. My true vote would be 2 ½ stars but another half star is added simply because I've read and liked almost everything by this author, so I consider this book just a `slip'. It happens.
The story speaks of Sydney, 29, once divorced, once widowed, who accepts a tutoring job in a lovely cottage overlooking the ocean in New Hampshire. Julie, whom she must tutor, is the teenage daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, who also have two sons, Ben and Jeff, both in their thirties. When the brothers get to the cottage for the summer and meet Sydney for the first time, `something' starts to change for her and, indeed, for the brothers. They all seem to be caught up in a sort of emotional tension, each with their own reason.
That is how the novel starts. What I did not like was the almost robot-like construction of each paragraph. I felt It did not help with the general characterization. I usually love Shreve's often-dry style, very to-the-point, her often short sentences combined with her fine ability to convey the strongest message in very few words. This time, I don't know, it just did not `click' with me. I did not particularly like any of the characters either, except, perhaps, Mr. Edwards Sr. Everyone seemed dull, a bit lifeless, despite the vital roaring of the ocean waves in the background. I'll definitely SURF through this one and leave it happily behind.
I feel compelled to add however that Ms. Shreve wrote several novels. Her characterizations are usually wonderful, she has a zesty-lemony style which I find remarkable, yet she always conveys emotions perfectly well. This book is passable at best. If you have not yet read anything by her, do not start with this book, just get to any of her other ones. My favourites (so far), `The Pilot's Wife', `Strange Fits of Passion' and `The Last Time They Met'.
Book Review: Worth The Read
Summary: 3 Stars
I was sorry to see this wasn't rated higher. I think older people with more life
experience can appreciate this book. When I was 20, it wouldn't have meant much to me.