A wry and touching story about a marriage and a family in dissolution. I *think* the marriage survives in the end, not sure. But perhaps that's the point. I do like Jenny Offill's style. Part of it are deeply evocative; others make me laugh out loud. And I constantly wanted to read it aloud to my spouse.

A familiar and predictable story, but told in such an original and amusing way it becomes refreshed and personal. The narrator's tone takes us into her unique world-view. If Roz Chast were to write a novel, it would sound like this.

I really liked this unique small novel about a woman's marriage and motherhood. Absolutely beautiful and intelligent writing. It takes a bit of time to enter the flow and style of Offill's work, but once you do, it is hard to put down. I am off to find her earlier book, and hope Ms. Offill writes more soon!

While dating, a couple sent each other letters postmarked "the Dept. of Speculation". After their marriage, with a normal complement of ups and downs, "the wife" ponders her marriage and whether it will survive.

Really interesting format; honest and bold writing. Be patient, it took until half way through to connect.

The style it is written takes a little getting use to but also made it more of a quick read which is good because it is really a summary of ones life and the missed oppertunities or paths taken for whatever reasons and some philosphoies that go with that.
I found some of the sayings or connections interesting and I could resonate, we all have our thoughts and our life stories. Not sure this is memorable but a change from the usual style a book is written. Still found it a good little read for the genre that is it, I wasn't expecting any twists or suspense or anything, more a book you can just relate to in general and ponder your life and reasonings.

Everyone's story is interesting from the inside, if told correctly, even if it's the same old story. Woman decides to live the life of an art monster, eschewing domestic responsibilities. Woman falls in love, gets married, has child. Opts for steady paycheck. For a while there are bedbugs. Then lice. Has The Most Wonderful Husband, until he dallies with someone else. Woman questions everything. Kind of sort of thinks again about becoming art monster.

Intriguing to me is the shifting narration. When things are wonderful, it's first person. When things are at their most painful for the wife, it's third person, a distancing. During the very worst times, the narrator even critiques the narrative, as if it's a story written by one of her students. Interspersed in the narrative are quotes from philosophers and artists.

Quick, well-written, scattered take on modern marriage. Not a downer or an upper, but really enjoyed the incoherent (at times) narration as it reflected the uncertainty faced by the protagonist.

This story of a marriage of nameless people is told in fragmentary paragraphs. It is very slight and all technique.

It took me a little while to get into the style but then I found it utterly captivating. Beautifully done. Very engaging.