It’s probably fairly obvious now that I love reading books about relationships. Marriages, specifically, are a topic I’ll never tire of.
In such a saturated genre, it is truly exciting when I find a novel that is so original and so personably written. I won’t go as far as saying Offill reinvents the novel (I don’t know if I could even call this a novel) but in this brief book, Offill introduces us to a nameless couple through the medium of short, one-off sentences. There isn’t a plot as much as a collection of observations interlaced with snippets of dialogue. As unique as this style is, it’s also very easy to get used to and I found myself tuning in to Offill’s rhythm almost instantly.
Throughout, Offill observes the couple in their day to day activities as well as their most momentous life developments: their meeting, the birth of their first child, their indiscretions. Offill’s prose, though scrappy, is sharp and biting. She makes awe-inspiring observations and though we never learn anything concrete about the couple, not their names nor appearance, we have a crystal clear view of their less than perfect union.
I was particularly struck by the way Offill writes about the experiences of a new mother with her baby. Offill is very clever — this is a novel that will speak volumes to its readers despite its author saying not much at all. There is not one way to write about marriages but in Dept. of Speculation, Offill carves out her own, brave path and introduces her readers to a constricted style that doesn’t spare any emotion or insight.
Proper good.
