Body Surfing

Anita Shreve

Ok I admit I can be a sentimental romantic, and my taste in novels tends to favor love that is unattainable or attainable with a penalty. That is why Anita Shreve’s books always get their hooks into me. I personally have not read fiction with such simple turn of words that have such a powerful effect. I was reading her latest novel, Body Surfing , and I noticed I was on page 200 already. My consciousness was so pulled into her writing that I was unaware that I had almost read 2/3 of the book. Of course, at that point I wanted to slow down; to savor each sentence. I am always deeply affected by Shreve’s powerful emotional wringing. The story revolves around Sydney who has lost two marriages ( one through death and one through divorce) spending a summer in a summer retreat as a tutor for a slow minded 18 year old. Her relationship with the young ladies 2 brothers creates the drama and tension in the novel. As with most of Shreve’s books things are never as they seem.

If you enjoy characters that become flesh and blood and love that is powerful and a major driving force in a character I highly recommend Shreve’s books.

Review by Tony Kainauskas

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