One-line summary:

Dept. of Speculation is a poignant and introspective novel that explores the complexities of love, marriage, and motherhood through the lens of a nameless narrator.

A Portrait of a Marriage

Dept. of Speculation delves into the intricacies of a marriage, examining the challenges, joys, and inevitable changes that come with long-term commitment. The story follows the journey of a nameless narrator, referred to as “the wife,” as she navigates the ups and downs of her relationship with her husband, referred to as “the husband.” Through a series of fragmented vignettes, the novel captures the evolution of their love, from the early stages of infatuation to the complexities of parenthood and the strains that threaten to tear them apart.

The wife and the husband initially find solace in their shared interests and intellectual pursuits. They bond over their love for art, literature, and science, finding comfort in their mutual understanding. However, as time passes, the mundane realities of everyday life begin to chip away at their connection. The wife becomes consumed by her role as a mother, while the husband immerses himself in his work, leading to a growing sense of distance between them.

The Fragility of Identity

Dept. of Speculation also explores the fragility of identity and the struggle to maintain a sense of self within the context of a relationship. The wife grapples with the tension between her desire for independence and her need for intimacy. She reflects on her own ambitions and dreams, which often take a backseat to the demands of motherhood and the expectations placed upon her as a wife. As she contemplates her own identity, she questions whether she has lost herself in the process of building a life with her husband.

The novel delves into the complexities of balancing personal aspirations with the compromises necessary for a successful partnership. It highlights the internal conflicts faced by many individuals who find themselves torn between their own desires and the expectations placed upon them by society and their loved ones.

The Fragments of Life

Dept. of Speculation is composed of fragmented prose, with each vignette offering glimpses into the narrator’s thoughts, memories, and observations. The fragmented structure mirrors the fragmented nature of life itself, where moments of joy, sorrow, and uncertainty coexist. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, capturing the nonlinear nature of memory and the way our minds piece together the fragments of our experiences.

The fragmented style of writing allows the reader to immerse themselves in the narrator’s stream of consciousness, experiencing the ebb and flow of her emotions as she grapples with the complexities of love, marriage, and motherhood. It creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and relationships.

• The novel explores the complexities of love, marriage, and motherhood.
• It delves into the fragility of identity within the context of a relationship.
• The fragmented prose mirrors the fragmented nature of life itself.

“She remembers reading how when you fall in love, a neurochemical reaction makes you feel like you’re floating. She wonders now if this is what floating feels like, the way your feet lift off the floor, your head goes dizzy.”

Dept. of Speculation is a beautifully written novel that offers a poignant exploration of the intricacies of love, marriage, and motherhood. Through its fragmented prose, it captures the essence of the human experience and invites readers to reflect on their own relationships and the fragile nature of identity. Ultimately, it reminds us that love is a complex and ever-evolving journey, filled with both joy and heartache.