[CX3]⇒ PDF The Largesse of the Sea Maiden Stories Denis Johnson 9780812988635 Books

The Largesse of the Sea Maiden Stories Denis Johnson 9780812988635 Books

Download As PDF : The Largesse of the Sea Maiden Stories Denis Johnson 9780812988635 Books

The Largesse of the Sea Maiden Stories Denis Johnson 9780812988635 Books

After reading Jesus' Son years ago, I'd wondered if Denis Johnson would ever put out another collection of stories. I've read his novels, but nothing has brought me more joy than his work in the short form. Then this book came out. Then Mr. Johnson passed away. These were the last words he left us. A collection of five long stories. The Largesse of the Sea Maiden obliterated all of my doubts as to whether he still had it in him. This collection recalls the best of what made Jesus' Son so unputdownable. I was shocked and thrilled to see Dundun brought back to the page. But I had to put this down, because I realized I was blowing through it, and would never get the pleasure of reading it for the first time again! It's that kind of a book, folks. Amplified by the fact that there will never be another Johnson release. The writing stops the breath in your throat. A stunning accomplishment. Here's a sentence from The Starlight on Idaho written in the vernacular of a recovering drug addict: "My oldest brother is somebody who the state of Texas won't let him possess scissors." I don't know why that sentence blew me away like it did. A master writing like the illiterate you run into at a gas station. That's why he's so great. He's lived both of those lives. He can bring us characters from the potholes and culverts of humanity and makes them dazzle with sordid brilliance. This collection is a revelation. I'm so sad we won't have another.


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The Largesse of the Sea Maiden Stories Denis Johnson 9780812988635 Books Reviews

The structure throws off the weight of this book - a lot of short stories that feel more like brief anecdotes to start make it seem slight and swift. But the middle section really takes off as the stories are akin to the brilliant Jesus' Son Moments of beauty within stories of broken people trying to put themselves back together. The end is something of a novella more so than a short story that is off-kilter and
enigmatic that leaves the reader wanting a lot more.
Almost a year and a half after his death, this anthology of five stories appeared. As a fan of Denis Johnson, this reviewer readily ordered the book and pushed through it. Since Johnson certainly knew he was terminally ill, the themes of mortality, illness, friendships/loves once had and lost and times lost to drugs and alcohol surface again and again. Sadly, the collection is a rehash of where the author has taken the reader in previous works.

It is preferable to remember the power and prose/poetry of the novella, Train Dreams, a finalist for the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. and a personal favorite. The stark characterizations of persons and places in both Jesus' Son and Tree of Smoke, a recipient of the National Book Award, underscore Johnson's craft. May these works stand as his literary legacy .
Heard about Denis Johnson on public radio, when they read an excerpt from one of these stories. His writing captured my attention and interest and I read the stories through twice before passing the book along to a friend. Thoughtful, arresting, great phrasing and observations.
For Denis Johnson's fine collection of short stories, his quiet, internal monologue seamlessly connects a persistent recollection of loss, renewal and reckoning. Where alcohol, drugs, and family discord leave most users bewildered and alone, Johnson's prior brushes with dissolution portend hope for a reader who dares not venture into the same deep waters.
In "Silences" the author weaves a fine collection of micro-narratives from a singular point of view, and thereby inverts the idea of silence by connecting it to profound, explosive loss.
The last story of the collection is overlong and meandering, but the preceding powerful voice more than compensates for a lackluster conclusion.
One of 20th century American literature's giants among men, Denis Johnson's swan song collection is poignant and truly touching. Though rather slim at 207 pages, this 5 story collection packs a considerable emotional gut punch. Through these "fictional" ruminations, Johnson unveils deeply personal observations, chronicled by narrators who are strikingly similar to the author himself. These stories read like autobiography, with the namez and nonessential character particulars changed. While immersing oneself in these ruminations on writing, teaching, living and gracefully departing this mortal coil, the reader will undoubtedly feel privileged to spend this last twilight hour with this master craftsman. Johnson says his long farewell while enduring his own terminal disease, and I for one have been awed, humbled, and touched by his powers of observation. It is a privilege to hear this poetic voice share his insights into this strange, beautiful life with a wretch like me.
After reading Jesus' Son years ago, I'd wondered if Denis Johnson would ever put out another collection of stories. I've read his novels, but nothing has brought me more joy than his work in the short form. Then this book came out. Then Mr. Johnson passed away. These were the last words he left us. A collection of five long stories. The Largesse of the Sea Maiden obliterated all of my doubts as to whether he still had it in him. This collection recalls the best of what made Jesus' Son so unputdownable. I was shocked and thrilled to see Dundun brought back to the page. But I had to put this down, because I realized I was blowing through it, and would never get the pleasure of reading it for the first time again! It's that kind of a book, folks. Amplified by the fact that there will never be another Johnson release. The writing stops the breath in your throat. A stunning accomplishment. Here's a sentence from The Starlight on Idaho written in the vernacular of a recovering drug addict "My oldest brother is somebody who the state of Texas won't let him possess scissors." I don't know why that sentence blew me away like it did. A master writing like the illiterate you run into at a gas station. That's why he's so great. He's lived both of those lives. He can bring us characters from the potholes and culverts of humanity and makes them dazzle with sordid brilliance. This collection is a revelation. I'm so sad we won't have another.