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A review by sallyreb
The Largesse of the Sea Maiden: Stories by Denis Johnson
3.0
A meandering, melancholy collection of 5 short stories. Some of the stories are comical, some absurd, and all offer us time with characters who are reflecting back on their life. It is hard not to wonder if these tales echo Johnson’s state, having written this collection just before passing from lung cancer.
In the first short story, “The Largesse of the Sea Maiden,” which I think is the best of the lot, we spend time with an ad man reflecting on his life and work. It’s sad and beautiful.
In “The Starlight on Idaho,” our fellow is in rehab writing letters of atonement and declarations to nearly to everyone he knows. Reading the short correspondence feels voyeuristic and makes the character seem even more vulnerable, more human.
I have a soft spot for Denis Johnson ever since “Jesus’ Son,” and so I find that even his lesser work is well worth a read.
In the first short story, “The Largesse of the Sea Maiden,” which I think is the best of the lot, we spend time with an ad man reflecting on his life and work. It’s sad and beautiful.
"I note that I've lived longer in the past, now, than I can expect to live in the future. I have more to remember than I have to look forward to. Memory fades, not much of the past stays, and I wouldn't mind forgetting a lot more of it."
In “The Starlight on Idaho,” our fellow is in rehab writing letters of atonement and declarations to nearly to everyone he knows. Reading the short correspondence feels voyeuristic and makes the character seem even more vulnerable, more human.
I have a soft spot for Denis Johnson ever since “Jesus’ Son,” and so I find that even his lesser work is well worth a read.