Jenny Offill: Dept. of Speculation

After enjoying Offil’s Weather, I wanted to read more of her work; therefore, I picked up Dept. of Speculation. In a coincidence, I was having some marriage issues and the novel feels right at home. For example:

For most married people, the standard pattern is a decrease of passionate love, but an increase in deep attachment. It is thought that this attachment response evolved in order to keep partners together long enough to have and raise children. Most mammals don’t raise their offspring together, but humans do.

Offil’s writing is worth savoring every word and her storytelling is moving and funny. Best of all, the novel can be read in one sitting. I am warming up to reading more fiction.