The Dean’s December unfurls a narrative that oscillates between the poignant atmosphere of Rumania and the bustling tension of Chicago. Most of the storyline unfolds in Rumania, while a smaller segment is set in the United States, split between Chicago and California. At the heart of the narrative is the character Albert Corde, whose journey is both geographical and intellectual.

Arrival in Bucharest

As the novel begins, we find Albert Corde and his wife, Minna, stepping into the cold embrace of Bucharest. They have traveled there in the bleak month of December to spend time with Minna’s ailing mother, Valeria, who is on the brink of death. Valeria's plight is dire, as she lies partially paralyzed in intensive care, confined within a Party hospital where visits are tightly controlled by a secret service colonel. The novel delves into Corde and Minna's attempts to navigate these restrictions, employing diplomatic connections to sway the colonel's rigid rules. This struggle for access persists even after Valeria’s passing, extending into conflicts over her burial arrangements.

The Chicago Connection

Thousands of miles away in Chicago, a separate narrative unfolds, intricately linked to Corde's life in Rumania through flashbacks and correspondence. In Chicago, a student connected to Corde’s university has been murdered, and a black man is on trial for the crime. Corde is deeply invested in the trial, having offered a reward for information leading to the conviction. However, his involvement is contentious, drawing opposition from both the university provost and his own family. His nephew, Mason, challenges Corde's understanding of the complex social landscape of Chicago, particularly because he is a friend of the accused. Further complicating matters is Corde's cousin, Max Detillion, a colorful yet ethically questionable lawyer representing the accused.

Intertwining Worlds

The novel creates a fascinating interplay between the events unfolding in Rumania and those in Chicago, although the narrative weight leans more heavily on Corde's reflections than the occurrences themselves. The Dean’s December is deeply engaged with the exploration of ideas, primarily through the lens of Corde's analytical mind. The initial part of the novel attempts to draw a parallel between the political climates of Communist Rumania and the machinations of Chicago's political scene. However, this comparison begins to unravel for several reasons.

The Character of Albert Corde

As the story progresses, Corde's character emerges as a complex and believable figure, overshadowing the Rumanian backdrop, which becomes increasingly intangible. Although Corde aims to juxtapose the "jungle" of Communism with that of Chicago, his experience in Rumania is more akin to that of an outsider looking in, lacking genuine insight into its intricacies. The narrative's initial ambition of drawing an analogy between a secret service colonel and Chicago’s political underbelly gradually fades. The colonel's presence diminishes over time, while issues from Chicago continue to encroach upon Corde's experiences in Bucharest through letters and memories.

Returning Home

By the time Corde and Minna return to America, the novel’s engagement with Rumania and Communist-themed discussions has waned considerably. The vibrant character of Valeria has passed away, and with her, the tangible ties to the Rumanian setting diminish. The colonel’s role, too, has concluded, as though the narrative resources have been thoroughly expended. What remains is Corde's return to the familiar chaos of Chicago, where the unresolved tensions of his life persist.