The Lobster Kings takes place on fictional Loosewood Island, somewhere off Maine and the Maritimes, a ruggedly pastoral outpost claimed by both the United States and Canada. For generations it has been unofficially ruled by a family called the Kings, since the legendary Brumfitt Kings came over from Ireland with the bountiful lobsters "making a road with their backs." But modern times bring modern problems, and the waters off Loosewood Island are starting to be poached by James Harbor, a rival community. With the health of current patriarch Woody Kings fading, it's up to his daughter Cordelia to pick up the mantle.