26 pages 52 minutes read

Dept. of Speculation

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

Jenny Offill

Dept. of Speculation

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

179

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Modern Classic Fiction

Romance

Literary Fiction
Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Theme
Marriage

Literature

Mothers
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Jenny Offill's Dept. of Speculation follows the relationship of an unnamed protagonist and her husband from their initial courtship and marriage through the trials of parenting, professional struggles, infidelity, and their attempts to repair their relationship. Offill examines the complexities of love, identity, and commitment with shifting narrative perspectives and time jumps. Infidelity is a central theme.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Emotional

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

3.8

60,953 ratings

64%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jenny Offill's Dept. of Speculation is praised for its poetic prose and introspective look at marriage and motherhood. Readers appreciate its fragmented narrative and emotional depth. However, some find the structure disjointed and challenging to follow. Overall, it's celebrated for its raw honesty and unique storytelling style, though it may not suit every reader.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dept. of Speculation?

A reader who relishes introspective narratives and fragmented storytelling, with a poetic touch, will appreciate Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill. If you are drawn to the layered prose of Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, or the inventive structure of 10:04 by Ben Lerner, this book will captivate you.

3.8

60,953 ratings

64%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

179

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Modern Classic Fiction

Romance

Literary Fiction
Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Theme
Marriage

Literature

Mothers
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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