Summary

“A Drowning Scene” is the account of Lidia’s relationship with her second husband, Devin—a handsome poet, “charismatic narcissist,” and drunk. At their first meeting in graduate school (she is 27), they leave orientation to go to a bar and “didn’t stop drinking for 11 years” (182). The only thing they love more than drinking is having sex. They do both everywhere—in class, in bed, in the bath, in graveyards. During their relationship they both also make art. He paints and she writes—in between celebrating with booze.

“Distilled” continues the story of Lidia’s and Devin’s relationship, told in stream of consciousness. They drink. They do performance art. They fight. They ride mountain bikes. They drink mushroom tea. They eat ecstasy. They drive to Alabama and Florida to see their parents. They marry in Lake Tahoe at the top of...