The Dismal Science: A Novel

In a way, The Dismal Science is about self-re-invention. It is a story about rebuilding one’s life, which is relevant to a lot of readers in this day and age who are trying to invent or re-invent themselves. Vincenzo D’Orsi worked as a Vice President at the World Bank, has suffered much loss since his wife passed away, has a daughter he can’t connect with, and in a moment of reeling from a heated debate, publicly announced his resignation via the Washington Post. The aftermath has more consequences than Vincenzo expects, and he is propelled on a journey away from Washington D.C for a fresh start.

The book is very well written and Vincenzo is an interesting character. I liked the way he was developed and the way the strained relationship between him and his daughter was characterized. The story was very linear with a simple progression that was very easy to follow, and I think the subject matter adds to the novel’s likability. The plot is relatable and the resolution is sort of bittersweet, even melancholic in nature, which may not be the preference for some readers, though I thought it was appropriate to the tone of the novel.