Dept. of Speculation- Is a Spectacular Novel

Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill is novel about a wife, her husband, her daughter and turmoils in their marriage.  Without a doubt, this delightful atypical novel is anything but banal. The artful writing is interlaced with poetry, philosophy and psychiatry tidbits.  It is engaging throughout.  Despite surmising the trials & tribulations between the wife & husband, the plot is infused with delightful art & wisdom that are surprising and appealing.  Offill's novel was shortlisted for the Best of 2014 by the NYT Book Review. The main characters are only referred to as wife & husband.  Friends, family & associates remain nameless and denoted simply: the philosopher, the sister, ex-boyfriend etc.  The universal woes of love, marriage, family are presented in a quixotic style that is beguiling. Wife refers to  poets, scientists & Zen masters alike. "Darwin theorized that there was something left over after sexual attractiveness had served its purpose.  This he called beauty and thought it might be what drives the human animal to make art."  "Zen master Ikkyu was once asked to write a distillation of the highest wisdom.  He wrote only one word:  Attention.  The visitor was displeased.  "Is that all?"  So Ikkyu obliged him.  Two words now, Attention.  Attention."  Dept. of Speculation is jammed with pathos, philosophy & delights.  There's no question why this book was noted among the 10 best of 2014.  My suggestion - read this sensational book.