Antelopes have 10x vision, you said. It was the beginning or close to it. That means that on a clear night they can see the rings of Saturn.
It was still months before we'd tell each other all our stories. And even then some seemed too small to bother with. So why do they come back to me now? Now, when I'm so weary of it all.
Memories are microscopic. Tiny particles that swarm together and apart. Little people, Edison called them. Entities. He had a theory about where they came from and that theory was outer space.Dept. of Speculation
by Jenny Offill
I picked up this little book last night. The entire 177 pages is composed of these short, seemingly unrelated paragraphs. But, according to the blurb:
Dept. of Speculation is a portrait of a marriage. It is also a beguiling rumination on the mysteries of intimacy, trust, faith, knowledge, and the condition of universal shipwreck that unites us all.I'm intrigued. My car needs to be serviced this morning... this book is a perfect fit for my purse.
What do you think of that opening? Would you continue reading?
Every Tuesday, Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea posts the opening paragraph (sometime two) of a book she decided to read based on the opening. Feel free to grab the banner and play along.
Antelopes have 10x vision? I learned something new. I hope you're enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteKay
Kay - Guess we both learned something today ;)
DeleteI'm not sure about this one. I'd probably read for awhile, but I'm not sure I'd stick with it. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteToday I'm featuring The From-Aways by CJ Hauser
http://mytime2read.blogspot.com/2014/06/tuesday-memes-from-aways.html
Kim - This is not my usual type of book. We'll see...
DeleteI've read this book (in one sitting) - it's an odd little story... I won't give anything away!
ReplyDeletebooksaremyfavouriteandbest - This is definitely strange little story!
DeletePerfect for waiting for your car. You'll have to let us know what you think. Could be a winner or just kind of odd.
ReplyDeleteBeth F - Read about half of it this morning... I'm still trying to decide.
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ReplyDeleteYou know I would keep reading. :-)
ReplyDeleteAmy - I was almost glad when the car needed a little extra work... got a little more time to read than I expected!
DeleteThis does sound good. The title is great. Here's Mine
ReplyDeletePaulita - The abbreviation in the title fits very well with the abbreviated style of writing.
DeleteThe opening is definitely interesting but I'm not sure how I feel about a jumble of paragraphs. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more reviews on this one but I think I'll hold off on buying it just yet!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - It's very unusual... piecing together a story from those snippets.
DeleteYes, sometimes when we look back, those little tidbits are the things that stand out. It does sound like an intriguing read.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy it while your car is being serviced! And thanks for visiting my blog.
Laurel-Rain Snow - The short paragraphs made it easy to read at the repair shop.
DeleteI've been really curious about this book and like the intro. I hope you like it! I'll be curious to know what you think when you are done.
ReplyDeleteLiterary Feline - At the half way mark now... not loving it, but definitely interested.
DeleteWhat fun...we both featured the same book today! I finished reading it yesterday, and am still thinking about husband, wife, and the other characters. I'm sure it made the car servicing time fly by.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog.
Catherine - The wait flew by this morning. Maybe I'll be able to finish this evening...
DeleteHmm.. an unusual premise for a story, but it is not too long so perfect for pulling out to read while waiting at an appointment. Hope you enjoy it. Not sure I would read it though.
ReplyDeleteRita - The is a perfect book to read while waiting for an appointment.... still not quite sure what to make of it though.
DeleteWell, since I've read this, I will have to say that I would keep reading. I loved this book. I like it when authors experiment with style, and it works.
ReplyDeleteRachel Reads - I'm not usually one for experimental fiction, so I like how this pulls me out of my comfort zone.
DeleteInteresting premise…I feel like I would like a more coherent story, but will be interested to see what people think about this one.
ReplyDeleteSarah - I read about half of it this morning... it's very odd, but strangely compelling.
DeleteThe opening and the description of the books sounds like it might be to choppy for me. It's a good thing that it's short though. I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeletePat - It took me a while to get used to the choppiness. Halfway through and still not sure what to make of this one...
DeleteOh I love books about marriage because every one is different. I'd need a little more than the intro although I've learnt something new about Antelope vision!
ReplyDeletehttp://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com
Cleo - I think the antelope vision was a fun little fact for many of us today!
DeleteSounds interesting, but I'm not sure it's for me. I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteYvonne - I'm not really sure it's for me either, but it's a nice ride.
DeleteI didn't expect to like this, but I did ---enjoy
ReplyDeleteDiane - I'm enjoying this more than I expected to, but am not feeling any love yet...
DeleteI would keep reading, it is intriguing.
ReplyDeleteNise' - I thought so, too.
DeleteHmm, I'm intrigued enough that I might just continue. Would be curious to see where it goes, and how it all comes together.
ReplyDeleteGreg - I'm hoping to find out later today...
DeleteI'm off to find this book. "Unrelated paragraphs" and a "portrait of marriage" sounds just right for us right now. We passed our fiftieth year last month and have been doing loads of unrelated paragraphs while looking at our marriage. It's a perfect fit for us right now. Thanks JoAnn
ReplyDeleteMargot - Congratulations on your fiftieth anniversary!!
DeleteOh, I love the opening. Have never heard "memories" described as "little people." And Einstein said it? That's amazing.
ReplyDeleteTea - Me neither, what a great line.
Deleteyes I'd read it! Want to find out exactly what and why she is weary!
ReplyDeletePeggy Ann - This is a very unusual, but strangely compelling little book.
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