Victor Lodato Reads Denis Johnson

Tree of Smoke is a novel by Denis Johnson that explores the complexities of the Vietnam War through the story of Skip Sands, a CIA agent, and other characters like the Houston brothers and a Canadian nurse. The novel delves into themes of psychological warfare, espionage, and the personal struggles of those involved in the conflict. It spans from 1963 to 1970, with an epilogue set in 1983.

Denis Johnson's 'Jesus' Son' is a collection of short stories narrated by an unnamed heroin addict navigating life's bleak realities. The stories explore themes of addiction, redemption, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Johnson's prose is characterized by its stark realism and lyrical beauty, creating a unique atmosphere of both despair and hope. The collection's fragmented narrative structure mirrors the narrator's fractured state of mind, while subtle references to religious imagery hint at the possibility of spiritual awakening. Despite its dark subject matter, 'Jesus' Son' offers a profound exploration of human resilience and the enduring search for connection.