The Dean's December

In "The Dean's December," Albert Corde, a journalism professor and dean at a Chicago university, travels to Bucharest to support his wife, Minna, as her mother lies ill in a hospital. As Corde navigates the complexities of family dynamics and life in a small apartment, he learns about troubling developments back in Chicago, including the murder of a student and backlash from influential acquaintances. This journey abroad becomes a pivotal moment for Corde, foreshadowing that his life will never return to its previous calmness. Witty and insightful, this novel offers an engaging exploration of personal and professional upheaval.