I picked this up on a whim from Powell's during a conference I attended in Portland, thinking it would be a quick read for the flight back. I was shocked at the emotional power packed into such a brief story; I ended up retreating to the airplane bathroom to hide for a few minutes during the flight because I started crying while reading it (awkward). I feel like I can't really describe it without falling short; it's about a marriage and a relationship, also about being in the middle of your life, parenting, facing inertia...this book covers a lot. Obviously emotional impact is a very personal thing so my experience may not translate to someone else, but I would definitely recommend this novel. At worst, it's short enough that it won't take you too long to read if you aren't as into it as I was.
Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill is a short novel that provides glimpses that, taken together, form a life. It is the story of a marriage through its ups and down as seen through the eyes of the wife - no name, just the wife. The book has a unique writing style that settles into a lyrical rhythm. The best thing I can say about this book is that it feels real.
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2015/05/dept-of-speculation.html
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2015/05/dept-of-speculation.html
