The Largesse of the Sea Maiden Summary
Denis Johnson

The Largesse of the Sea Maiden Overview

The Largesse of the Sea Maiden, by Denis Johnson, is a collection of five short stories that follow different narrators as they traverse their respective lives and struggles regarding work, aging, relationships, and, most prominently, death. From a recovering alcoholic who believes he is the second coming of Christ, to an obsessive Elvis Presley conspiracy theorist, and everyone in between, these stories encapsulate a wide range of perspectives as they address the intricacies of the modern world. This collection touches on several major themes, including fate and destiny, the inevitability of decay, estrangement, the strength of human bonds, and the fallibility of memories.