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Dept. of Speculation

By Jenny Offill
Series: Best of Granta
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3.76 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 58,809 ratings, 7,992 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill, the narrative explores the inner thoughts and struggles of a woman as she navigates the complexities of marriage, motherhood, and personal identity. Told through a series of fragmented observations and reflections, the book beautifully captures the tumultuous yet tender moments that define her life and relationships. This artful depiction of life's unpredictabilities offers an intimate look at the intricacies of a modern woman’s existence.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you appreciate a fragmented and poetic exploration of marriage, motherhood, and identity. With its unique narrative style, it delves into the intricacies of relationships and personal introspection, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy introspective fiction.

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Included in the BEST OF GRANTA launch list for 2023: critically acclaimed and widely adored, Dept. of Speculation is an electrifying, funny and wise account of a couple falling out of one another's orbit.

Included in the BEST OF GRANTA launch list for 2023: critically acclaimed and widely adored, Dept. of Speculation is an electrifying, funny and wise account of a couple falling out of one another's orbit.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

They used to send each other letters. The return address was always the same: Dept. of Speculation.

They used to be young, brave, and giddy with hopes for their future. They got married, had a child, and skated through all the small calamities of family life. But then, slowly, quietly something changes. 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.

Written with the dazzling lucidity of poetry, Dept. of Speculation navigates the jagged edges of a modern marriage to tell a story that is darkly funny, surprising, and wise.

Series: Best of Granta

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill is highly praised for its innovative narrative structure that uses fragmented observations and vignettes to explore the trials of marriage and motherhood. Critics highlight its emotional depth, blending humour and sadness with profound insights. The novel is lauded for its lyrical prose, originality, and its ability to engage readers through its evocative portrayal of a woman's inner life amid personal turmoil.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781783789344

Publisher: Granta Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 August 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Granta Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 138g

Pages: 192

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Jenny Offill Literary Fiction Series: Best of Granta

About the Author

Jenny Offill is the author of the Women's Prize-shortlisted Weather, Dept. of Speculation - which was shortlisted for the Folio Prize and the International Dublin Literary Award - Last Things, and four books for children. She lives in upstate New York with her family.

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    From the acclaimed author of Weather 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 - The New York Times Book Review A Best Book of the Year: The New Yorker, The...
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