In Body, In Mind
Summary
Sam Kane is an academic psychologist, his life and work expressing the capabilities of his mind. Sam’s wife Rachel is a veteran athlete who has celebrated the prowess of her body in sports played at the highest levels. They’re an odd couple, with differing abilities, passions and world views, yet happy together and still very much in love.
Different challenges prompt them to finish their careers and settle into lives characterised by declining health, loss, dependence and uncertainty. Ever defiant, Rachel attempts to rebuild her sense of self-worth and her faith in God, and to atone for her self-centred and imperfect life. Sam is forced down a path of increasing isolation and despair, towards a final act of great scholarship through which he tries to recover his faith in love.
Sam and Rachel are surrounded by family and close friends who are likewise tested by careers, relationships, temptations and tragedies. They are confronted by ideas that inspire them, memories that terrify them, secrets that suffocate them, and choices that shape them.
Set in Australia from early 1993 through to late 2004, the story is linked closely to three primary locations: Sam’s family home in rural New England, just outside of Armidale, the laconic city and southern beaches of modern Newcastle, and the inner tracts of Sydney.
In Body, In Mind is a philosophical novel thirty years in the making which explores the contrasts that colour the Australian landscape: blackness and whiteness, city and country, joy and despair, knowledge and faith, being and becoming, selfishness and sacrifice, fear and grace, body and mind. It challenges us to be aware of our choices, and to accept responsibility for the self we become. It encourages us all to use wisely the time we have left, to choose what we must remember, what we should forget, who we could forgive, for what we must make amends, and eventually, how we might say goodbye.
In Body, In Mind is available in paperback, and as an e-book, in both MOBI and EPUB formats.
For anyone interested in reading about how this work came into being, click here to go to the Origin Story for this book.
For anyone interested in delving further into some of the philosophical and creative references within the story, or to find some suggestions for further reading, click here to go to the References and Further Reading page for this book.
For anyone with a first print copy of this book who finds it’s missing some pages, click here to go to the Shop where you can get a free download of the missing content. If you wish, please contact us to arrange for either a new copy or an e-book in lieu.
Book Club Pack
The Book Club Pack is a discussion resource for book clubs brave enough to have chosen to read In Body, In Mind. It describes the author’s intent, the book’s themes, structure and language, and suggests how best to read the book, both as a book club and as individual readers.
The Pack includes a repository of questions that might be used as discussion starters, and some brief details about some of the primary influences which led to the development of the narrative as it is. It provides some additional detail about the book’s philosophical heritage, and the art, music and literary references embedded in the text. Finally, it provides a brief description of what might happen next in the rest of the collection.
The Pack is free to download and copy/distribute to Book Club members.
Published Reviews
There have been as yet no published reviews of In Body, In Mind.
Some Reader Feedback (no spoilers)
“I love the way you describe things. They were so graphic and complete in beautiful and unexpected ways.”
Raewyn, MELBOURNE
“… writing a novel is a significant achievement in itself. To write a novel of this scale and achieve the quality you have is incredible. It is one of the best novels I have read.
I read a lot of books and often exchange views on various books with others who share my passion. I try to find books that allow me to connect to the characters and the times portrayed. I want to feel something – empathy, anger, frustration, understanding – and read a story that reflects my experience of life and, if I am lucky, gives me insights that I had not seen or only half recognised. Your book did all these things.
Thanks for writing this book. It is a great achievement and will enrich the lives of those who read it.”
Warren, BRISBANE
“There were aspects that were really beautiful, especially the love between many of the characters. I found your writing mesmerising.
Thank you for making me think about things that matter and writing a novel that moved me so much.”
Michelle, TUROSS HEAD
“It is a long time since the style and content of the written word has so seduced my attention, that my well-honed speed-reading skill has gone dormant on me. I read many of the passages more than once, and even go back to them, to ensure that I suck every last piece of intellectual and emotional marrow out of them.
Your book has been the most intellectual stimulus that I have had for a very long time, and has caused me to revisit much of my thinking, by trying to identify and clarify pivotal moments in my development (such as it is).”
John, DEVON, UK
“There is a lovely interweaving of narrative and philosophy, and an intriguing exploration of psychological underpinnings of the various characters and their relationships to each other.
It is an incredible work, … a thoughtful, meaningful examination of the human experience.”
Jaynie, NORTH CAROLINA, USA
“… your novel is in the vein of Xavier Herbert. You draw we readers into your time and space. We are in awe.”
Marty, COLORADO, USA
“Brilliant. I really don’t know how you can wrangle so many complex themes, characters, storylines, theories, philosophies, etc. while tying in some great music to boot!”
Rob, VICTORIA
“I was astounded by the depth of knowledge and quality of expression that was poured into this book.
I … loved the way you captured the essence of Australian life, our individual frailties and the challenges we face. Not to mention your stunning descriptions of the world around us. I can see why it took 30 years to write, but my God, it was worth it! I hope many others get the chance to read it.”
Ken, CANBERRA
“As I got into the swing of it, I found myself really enjoying the mental, ethical & emotional challenges you took me on. It will definitely be a book that stays on my shelf as I know I will want to revisit her again. I look forward to your second novel knowing it will stretch me in ways I probably have not yet thought of!”
Leonie, YASS
