Dept. of Speculation

by Jenny Offill

What Rilke said: Surely all art is the result of one’s having been in danger, of having gone through an experience all the way to the end, to where no one can go any further.

Rilke is one of my favorite writers and this passage highlights what I love about his work. He writes so clearly about the emotionally devastating moments in life like having your heart broken or losing a loved one. What I like is that he presents a way forward that is not about easy reassurances or platitudes. To me, it means this: If your house goes up in flames, make something beautiful out of the ashes. My new book, WEATHER, is out 1/19. Make sure to check it out! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37506228-weather