Dept. Of Speculation

“Dept. of Speculation” is a lyrical and introspective exploration of love, marriage, and the complexities of the human heart. In this stunning novel, author Jenny Offill invites readers into the intimate world of a nameless protagonist as she grapples with the highs and lows of life, marriage, and motherhood.

Told in fragmented, almost stream-of-consciousness prose, “Dept. of Speculation” offers a unique and deeply personal glimpse into the inner workings of the protagonist’s mind as she navigates the joys and challenges of daily existence. From the mundane routines of domestic life to the profound moments of connection and reflection, readers are drawn into a rich tapestry of emotions, memories, and observations that resonate on a deeply human level.

At the heart of the story is the protagonist’s relationship with her husband, a man she once loved fiercely but who now seems like a stranger to her. As they navigate the rocky terrain of marriage and parenthood, they grapple with the inevitable compromises and sacrifices that come with building a life together, as well as the quiet moments of tenderness and connection that sustain them through the darkest of times.

But as their relationship begins to unravel, the protagonist finds herself adrift in a sea of uncertainty, grappling with questions of identity, desire, and the elusive nature of happiness. Through a series of vignettes and reflections, she contemplates the nature of love and longing, the passage of time, and the inescapable pull of the past.