One of the country’s most accomplished writers, Denis Johnson (1949-2017) was a poet, playwright, and journalist in addition to being the author of modern classics like the 1992 short-story collection Jesus’ Son and the haunting Vietnam novel Tree of Smoke, winner of the 2007 National Book Award. At the time of his death Johnson had just completed a second collection of short fiction. The stories in The Largesse of the Sea Maiden employ Johnson’s signature intensity and humor, while taking his work in new directions. Join Bill Beverly, author of Dodgers; Maud Casey, author of several works of fiction and nonfiction including, most recently, The Art of Mystery; and Amber Sparks, author most recently of The Unfinished World for a celebration of Johnson’s life and literary legacy.
We invite attendees to participate in this tribute by reading aloud their favorite line or moment from any of Johnson’s novels, stories, or poems.
