Jesse Ball's "Census" is a profoundly moving and subtly unsettling novel that follows a widowed father and his adult, mute son as they embark on a journey across the country. The father, a toy maker, has been appointed as a census taker, an assignment that paradoxically requires him to have his own son medically examined by doctors in each town. This unique premise allows Ball to explore themes of control, categorization, and the arbitrary nature of societal systems. The narrative delves deep into the powerful bond between parent and child, highlighting the lengths one goes to protect and understand a loved one in a world that often seeks to define and limit them. It's a poignant meditation on individuality, bureaucracy, and the quiet dignity of human connection amidst the absurdities of existence. The prose is sparse yet evocative, creating an atmospheric read that lingers long after the final page.