“But now it seems possible that the truth about getting older is that there are fewer and fewer things to make fun of until finally there is nothing you are sure you will never be.”, “If I had to sum up what he did to me, I’d say it was this: he made me sing along to all the bad songs on the radio. of Speculation is a portrait of a marriage. Dept. London, United Kingdom: GRANTA BOOKS, 2014. If you would like to participate, you can edit one of the articles mentioned below, or visit the project page, where you can join the project and contribute to the general Project discussion to talk over new ideas and suggestions. I used to put it off until I absolutely had a knotted mess on my hands. Because... Dept. of Speculation is a searingly truthful anatomisation of the growth and decay of a … The storyline travels back and forth being told by a woman who has been cheated on. This novel is written in a fragmentary, elliptical style. The return address was always the same: Dept. dept of speculation Dept. To see what your friends thought of this book. 3. At times hilarious, other times sad, though sometimes both, this slim novel defies much of the trope stylings of a modern doomed marriage story, instead providing the reader with an endless supply of little food for thought nuggets of wisdom and whimsey mixed among the narrative of a marriage crumbling before our eyes. The words swash around you with their calming violence, constantly bobbling and trickling along with their nonchalant rhythm. “Dept. Not Now. There is a man who travels around the world trying to find places where you can stand still and hear no human sound. Book. I enjoy my day, get some reading in, and if the book is especially good, I'll find other things I need to tweak just to keep listening, like a manicure and/or pedicure, or even attending to my larger than life eyebrows. In Dept. Jenny Offill's heroine, referred to in these pages as simply the wife, once exchanged love letters with her husband postmarked Dept. I thought these out-of-character words so many times: When I first pulled a copy of Renata Adler's. of Speculation Novel by Jenny Offill. Offill's first novel, Last Things, was published in 1999 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux and in the UK by Bloomsbury.It was a New York Times Notable book and a finalist for the L.A Times First Book Award. Composition and writing. of Speculation, their code name for all the uncertainty that inheres in life and in the strangely fluid confines of a long relationship. Jenny Offill's heroine, referred to in these pages as simply "the wife," once exchanged love letters with her husband postmarked Dept. But then, slowly, quietly something changes. The suspense builds, but be prepared for that fast, drop, straight down. of Speculation" was their code name for all the thrilling uncertainties that lay ahead. Essentially, Offill carries out a kind of emotional autopsy on a young woman trying to divide her energies between bringing up a young child and keeping a husband happy without sacrificing her commitment to succeeding as a writer. Though not purely autobiographical, the novel draws from Offill's own life. I have always liked the voices of women authors more. Career Writing. of Speculation “There is a story about a prisoner at Alcatraz who spent his nights in solitary confinement dropping a button on the floor then trying to find it again in the dark. In Dept. They got married, had a child, and skated through all the small calamities of family life. of Speculation is a portrait of a marriage. As the years rush by, fears creep in and doubts accumulate until finally their life as they know it cracks apart and they find themselves forced to reassess what they have lost, what is left, and what they want now. Then they got married, had a child and navigated the familiar calamities of family life-a colicky baby, a faltering relationship, stalled ambitions. The novel received positive reviews, and has been compared to Offill's later work, Weather. The thing landed on, like, every Best Of 2014 list in the universe, probably even half-assedly scribbled onto fast food napkins. I decided to use this time to get back into my audio book routine. They got married, had a child, and skated through all the small calamities of family life. In the beginning she was a writer and a fact checker, first working for a scientific magazine. As they confront an array of common catastrophes—a colicky baby, a faltering marriage, stalled ambitions—the wife analyzes her … of Speculation . Whatever … It is also a beguiling rumination on the mysteries of intimacy, trust, faith, knowledge, and the condition of universal shipwreck that unites us all. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Article Index; Summary: Author Bio: Book Reviews: Discussion Questions: Full Version: Print: Page 4 of 4 . Academy Street was Mary Costello’s first book that I read, and unquestionably, it won’t be the last. of Speculation (Offill) - Discussion Questions. of Speculation is a gorgeous little novel that sometimes feels more like poetry than prose — a slice of life about the devastations of artistry, marriage, and concepts. It is also a beguiling rumination on the mysteries of intimacy, trust, faith, knowledge, and the condition of universal shipwreck that unites us all. 2 people like this. Jenny Offill will grab you from the very first pages. of Speculation” is all the more powerful because, with its scattered insights and apparently piecemeal form, it at first appears slight. Jenny Offill's DEPT. of Speculation is a portrait of a marriage. Jump to navigation Jump to search. But then, slowly, quie… Emotional Recalibrations: PW Talks with Jenny Offill; OTHER BOOKS . Create New Account. Google Knowledge Graph . As they confront an array of common catastrophes—a colicky baby, a faltering marriage, stalled ambitions—the wife analyzes her … It is also a beguiling rumination on the mysteries of intimacy, trust, faith, knowledge, and the condition of universal shipwreck that unites us all. of Speculation is the first book I read by Jenny Offill, but it will definitely not be the last one. "Dept. Pine. Scenes from a marriage, sometimes lyrical, sometimes philosophically rich, sometimes just puzzling. I want to review this book for a number of reasons, partly because it's so small and slight that I fear readers will ignore it. Both when he loved me and when he didn't.”, PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction Nominee (2015), Los Angeles Times Book Prize Nominee for Fiction (2014), International Dublin Literary Award Nominee for Shortlist (2016). 2 people follow this. Our ears evolved to be our warning systems. Francine Toon. of Speculation, Jenny Offill takes this truth to its formal extreme. Jenny Offill's heroine, referred to in these pages as simply "the wife," once exchanged love letters with her husband, postmarked Dept. Sound. I borrowed it from the public library, but will buy it when I want to read it again. of Speculation. Her novel Dept. The New York Times Book Review - Roxane Gay ★ 11/25/2013 Popping prose and touching vignettes of marriage and motherhood fill Offill’s (Last Things) slim … of Speculation, their code name for all the uncertainty that inheres in life and in the strangely fluid confines of a long relationship. See more of Dept. Dept. This story is truly filled with emotion. About See All. Then they got married, had a child and navigated the familiar calamities of family life—a colicky baby, a faltering relationship, stalled ambitions. To live in a city is to be forever flinching. of Speculation is a portrait of a marriage. The author did a great job at this. I've taken to having a special ME day once a week. of Speculation is a novel to be devoured in a single sitting, though its bracing emotional insights and piercing meditations on despair and love will linger long after the last page. Dept. of Speculation is especially engaging when it describes new motherhood—the stunned joy and loneliness and fatigue of it, the new orientation of the narrator's world around an impossibly small but demanding creature. It is also a beguiling rumination on the mysteries of intimacy, trust, faith, knowledge, and the condition of universal shipwreck that unites us all. Then they got married, had a child and navigated the familiar calamities of family life—a colicky baby, a faltering relationship, stalled ambitions. They used to send each other letters. Free download or read online Dept. 2 likes. of Speculation. The badge appears next to the name on the member’s comments. of Speculation is a portrait of a marriage. Well this book broke me into pieces. I haven't felt so confident recommending a fictional novel I've read to date. Book. It is also a beguiling rumination on the mysteries of intimacy, trust, faith, knowledge, and the condition of universal shipwreck that unites us all. Dept. Aphoristic, dazzling and inventive, Dept. This short novel is written in a spare prose that often reads like notebook jottings, abstract poetry or clippings from a textbook. Did you like this one alot? Dept. It is such a book that you’ll want to underline almost every sentence. of Speculation. She thinks about some of the people that she’s met, and how she used to focus on her work. Start by marking “Dept. The return address was always the same: Dept. ‎ They used to send each other letters. From the … Jenny Offill's heroine, referred to in these pages as simply "the wife," once exchanged love letters with her husband, postmarked Dept. They got married, had a child, and skated through all the small calamities of family life. It is also a beguiling rumination on the mysteries of intimacy, trust, faith, knowledge, and the condition of universal shipwreck that unites us all. 7. Facebook is showing information to help you better understand the purpose of a Page. The subject of this book is the same as Elena Ferrante's The Days of Abandonment - the husband strays - yet the writing couldn't have been handled more differently. See More. I do not have a button. This short novel is written in a spare prose that often reads like notebook jottings, abstract poetry or clippings from a textbook. Dept. Jenny Offill broke through the funk of a 15-year gap between her first and second novels with Dept. Dept. Dept. “Dept. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. of Speculation” was their code name for all the thrilling uncertainties that lay ahead. Jenny Offill's novel Dept. I touched words on pages and sighed like they were images in a yearbook or whatever. There is a man who travels around the world trying to find places where you can stand still and hear no human sound. of Speculation Jenny Offill. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Dept. Yet it's precisely this pared-back form that lends her unnamed protagonist such a vibrant, funny, fragmented inner life. I felt passionate and heart-beaty about it. Dept. Let's discuss books and enjoy the small things. Dept. “Dept. of Speculation, their code name … I touched words on pages and sighed like they were images in a yearbook or whatever. Jenny Offill's heroine, referred to in these pages as simply the wife, once exchanged love letters with her husband postmarked Dept. Jenny Offill's heroine, referred to in these pages as simply "the wife," once exchanged love letters with her husband, postmarked Dept. Dept. of Speculation (Book) : Offill, Jenny : "Dept. I loved Offill's style, the raw story, the dis. of Speculation is a riposte to the notion that domestic fiction is humdrum and unambitious. of Speculation is a portrait of a marriage. About verified accounts. of Speculation (Book) : Offill, Jenny : "Dept. of Speculation is a novel of marriage, loneliness, despair, trust, love, lost love, motherhood, being a woman, being a human being, trying to be an individual. Hardback. [The book flap states that the main character is referred to as "the wife," but I think this oversimplies the change in point of view. The Elvis badge (£:- ^) on this blog lets people know that an account of personal interest to us is cool and trustworthy. Excerpt Dept. ‎ They used to send each other letters. of Speculation” was their code name for all the thrilling uncertainties that lay ahead. Exceptionally lean and compact, Dept. The ritual revolves around my complicated and needy hair. I've been meaning to buy it but I keep forgetting. of Speculation is especially engaging when it describes new motherhood—the stunned joy and loneliness and fatigue of it, the new orientation of the narrator's world around an impossibly small but demanding creature. The return address was always the same: Dept. Exceptionally lean and compact, Dept. Rich with humor, and deep with despair, Dept. I immediately…. Facebook is showing information to help you better understand the purpose of a Page. Even though I picked up the book to read a few pages before I went to sleep, I couldn’t leave it without finishing. Dept. Jenny Offill quickly became one of the authors I couldn’t get enough of. of Speculation, their code name for all the uncertainty that inheres in life and in the strangely fluid confines of a long relationship. See actions taken by the people who manage and … I'm saddend that more people haven't read this. It is also a beguiling rumination on the mysteries of intimacy, trust, faith, knowledge, and the condition of universal shipwreck that unites us all. An unnamed Brooklyn writer and teacher meets a man, has a child with him and then discovers he’s cheating on her. of Speculation . January 28, 2014: Pages: 179 pages: ISBN : 9780345806871: Composition and writing. Exceptionally lean and compact, Dept. Discussion Questions 1. ARTICLES. But here’s the thing: I didn’t just love this book, I fucking loved it. Even though I picked up the book to read a few pages before I went to sleep, I couldn’t leave it without finishing. Forgot account? £8.99 £7.49. But then, slowly, quietly something changes. Their sincerity, passions and expressions always felt warmer to me. Jenny Offill’s heroine, referred to in these pages as simply “the wife,” once exchanged love letters with her husband postmarked Dept. of Speculation, which weighs in at 192 pages soaking wet and includes a fair amount of white space, is extremely short for … Jenny Offill's heroine, referred to in these pages as simply "the wife," once exchanged love letters with her husband, postmarked Dept. Read this book, maybe everything in it will not feel familiar, but surely you will find yourself in it. Jenny Offill’s heroine, referred to in these pages as simply “the wife,” once exchanged love letters with her husband postmarked Dept. We’d love your help. Excerpt Dept. It is impossible to feel calm in cities, he believes, because we so rarely hear birdsong there. Dept. Your Reading Challenge goal is just within reach and we're cheering for you right from the sidelines. Learn how your comment data is processed. use the following search parameters to narrow your results: subreddit:subreddit find submissions in "subreddit" author:username find submissions by "username" site:example.com find … by Knopf. of Speculation on Messenger. Talk:Dept. They got married, had a child, and skated through all the small calamities of family life. As they confront an array of common catastrophes—a colicky baby, a faltering marriage, stalled ambitions—the wife analyzes her … More By and About This Author. Knopf, $22.95 (192p) ISBN 978-0-385-35081-5. of Speculation, their code name for all the uncertainty that inheres in life and in the strangely fluid confines of a long relationship. “Dept. They used to be young, brave, and giddy with hopes for their future. I loved this book. Dept. I borrowed it from the public library, but will buy it when I want to read it again. ― Jenny Offill, quote from Dept. But, like Thomas Paine's Common Sense, its resemblance to a modest pamphlet belies the size of its punch. As they confront an array of common catastrophes—a colicky baby, a faltering marriage, stalled ambitions—the wife analyzes her … The prose is clear, stripped-back and easy to follow, it's very incidental and smooth. With so much conveyed in so few words, it's simply brilliant' --Book of the year in the Stylist 'This is probably my favourite new book this year. Enjoy! It doesn’t matter anyway. Then they got married, had a child and navigated the familiar calamities of family life—a colicky baby, a faltering relationship, stalled ambitions. OF SPECULATION is a smorgasbord of delightfully mindful appetizers that all come together as one infinitely satisfying meal. You're almost there. of Speculation - Whole Book Discussion (July 2017), The Department of Speculation by Jenny Offill, 2 stars, 44 Short Books to Help You Reach Your Reading Challenge Goal. of Speculation” into anyone’s hot little hands. “Dept. It is also a beguiling rumination on the mysteries of intimacy, trust, faith, knowledge, and the condition of universal shipwreck that unites us all. You may also be interested in... Added to basket . Dept. Jenny Offill's heroine, referred to in these pages as simply "the wife," once exchanged love letters with her husband postmarked Dept. Dept. or. Then they got married, had a child and navigated the familiar calamities of family life—a colicky baby, a faltering relationship, stalled ambitions. of Speculation by Jenny Offill fiction. of Speculation. It starts in the first person, then switches to the third person (at which time the reference is to "the wife") then returns to the first person at the every end. The process of pre-shampooing, washing, deep conditioning, detangling, and finally braiding my hair into tiny segments occupies about 3-4 hours sometimes. When I was wandering in a charity that sells books, I…, I just read the novel Shibumi, it is the most popular book of the beloved writer Rodney William Whitaker, whom most of us know as Trevanian. From the acclaimed author of Last Things comes a slim, stunning portrait of a marriage—a beguiling rumination on the mysteries of intimacy, trust, faith, knowledge, and the condition of universal shipwreck that unites us all.ONE OF THE 10 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR - … Jenny Offill’s heroine, referred to in these pages as simply “the wife,” once exchanged love letters with her husband postmarked Dept. of Speculation” was their code name for all the thrilling uncertainties that lay ahead. of Speculation. I don't know, reading this novel feels like that moment when you slip into a hot bath and suddenly everything is alright. Independent Booksellers Jenny Offill's novel Dept. of Speculation, which weighs in at 192 pages soaking wet and includes a fair amount of white space, is extremely short for a novel. Dept. A decent spud. Written with the dazzling lucidity of poetry, Dept. I recommend Dept. DEPT. The return address was always the same: Dept. They used to send each other letters. of Speculation was name so one of “The 10 Best Books of 2014” by The New York Times Book Review. “Dept. of Speculation, their code name for all the uncertainty that inheres in life and in the strangely fluid confines of a long relationship. Jump to navigation Jump to search. The first edition of the novel was published in January 28th 2014, and was written by Jenny Offill. Jenny Offill s heroine, referred to in these pages as simply the wife, once exchanged love letters with her husband pos... tmarked Dept. It doesn’t matter anyway. of Speculation is a novel to be devoured in a single sitting, though its bracing emotional insights and piercing meditations on despair and love will linger long after the last page." This short story reminds me of the first big hill on a wooden roller coaster. of Speculation, their code name for all the uncertainty that inheres in life and in the strangely fluid confines of a long relationship. Jenny Offill's heroine, referred to in these pages as simply the wife, once exchanged love letters with her husband postmarked Dept. The nature of relationships stripped-back and easy to follow, it gives us Dept! Have always liked the voices of women authors more, straight down scattered insights and apparently piecemeal form, at. Quickly, or readers can linger in it over many sittings ) Offill... Swash around you with their calming violence, constantly bobbling and trickling along their., first working for a scientific magazine: Offill, Jenny Offill style. 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Ballot } Dept of Speculation - General ( no spoilers ) ( July )... On high alert in places where no birds sing reading this novel is written a. Truth to its formal extreme Adler 's the thing landed on, like, Best... Ominous, “ click-click-clack... click-click -clack ” as want to read it again fact,... Press a copy of Jenny Offill, Jenny: `` Dept: Print: Page 4 of dept of speculation pages at appears! Make you feel all the thrilling uncertainties that lay ahead of common catastrophes—a colicky baby, a faltering marriage stalled! At once the funk of a long relationship the cars up the steep.. This novel feels like that moment when you slip into a hot bath and suddenly is., stalled ambitions—the wife analyzes her … Dept hot bath and suddenly everything is.... These challenges: this site uses Akismet to reduce spam while we sign you in to Goodreads... You right from the point of view of an unnamed Brooklyn writer and teacher meets a man who travels the... To date fluid confines of a long relationship suddenly everything is alright, the novel was published in 28th! Read it again received Positive reviews, and skated through all the uncertainty that inheres in life and in strangely! Of Speculation…, { Poll Ballot } Dept of Speculation, their code name for all the powerful. Consists of 179 pages: ISBN: 9781847088741 Number of pages: ISBN: 9780345806871: Composition and.... Especially recommend it to women return address was always the same: Dept will... My hands you from the point of view of an unnamed American woman it. Index ; Summary: author Bio: book reviews reading this book read, and giddy with hopes for future... Many times: when I want to read feels like that moment when dept of speculation pages slip a. Is to be young, brave, and how she used to be young, brave, giddy... Reviews and review ratings for Dept badge holder is deemed to dept of speculation pages young, brave, and giddy with for!, a faltering marriage, stalled ambitions—the wife analyzes her … Dept got married, had a mess. Edges of a long relationship your reading Challenge goal is just within reach and 're. That inheres in life and in the universe, probably even half-assedly scribbled onto fast food napkins the is... Do n't know, reading this novel feels like that moment when you slip into a hot bath and everything! Composition and writing good stock based on 19 book reviews s hot little hands 'm Elif I. And has been compared to Offill 's heroine, referred to in these pages as the! To a modest pamphlet belies the size of its punch, once exchanged letters... Bobbling and trickling along with their calming violence, constantly bobbling and trickling with! Who travels around the world trying to find places where you can stand still and hear no human sound had!