Book Review: Dept. of Speculation

A woman gets married, struggles to settle down, has a baby, is bewildered by parenthood, endures conflicts with her husband, and manages to salvage her marriage. It's a simple plot, but Dept. of Speculation is only a deceptively simple novel. This short volume consists of brief observations - later revealed to be letters the wife sent to her husband - that touch on the events of her life. But more importantly, they evoke the deep emotions that we all experience as we try to negotiate life and family, expectations and reality, fears and dreams. It's a slim book of few words, but packed with meaning. - Michelle (Sunset)