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Life On The Guest List

by Laurel Federbush

158 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #03-0389; ISBN 1-4120-0027-0; US$17.50, C$20.00, EUR14.50, £10.00

Iris, an American classical harp student living in Toronto, becomes entranced with a bohemian group of rock musicians, particularly guitarist Mink Lasher, who may or may not have supernatural powers.

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about the book      about the author      sample excerpts or Table of Contents      catalogue info

About the Book Iris, a lonely American classical harp student living in Toronto, becomes entranced with a bohemian group of rock musicians, particularly the enigmatically seductive guitarist Mink Lasher, who may or may not have supernatural powers. An obsessed but harmless groupie, Iris witnesses the heartrending dissolution of Mink's relationship with singer Ruby Treece, and follows him on his journey through various girlfriends and bands to a point of self-realization which ultimately transforms Iris as well. This novel was inspired by the fascinating musicians connected with the 1980's Toronto band Pukka Orchestra ­ most notably, ace guitarist Neil Chapman.

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About the Author Laurel Federbush is an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based freelance harpist and writer. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor's in Music, and received her Master's and Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Michigan. She has produced two recordings of her solo harp compositions, co-produced two recordings of original poetry with harp and electronic instrumental accompaniment, and written a book of poetry. Ms. Federbush is also known as a writer of letters to the editor about a variety of social issues and about rock bands.

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Sample Excerpts

As usual with the Sunswayers, Mink remained in the background most of the time, definitely a sideman, but the focus of all my attention. His little riffs, minimal as they were, seemed like a sly, running commentary on the main action, somehow mocking and enriching it at the same time.

Finally, he stepped forward to do a solo. Glistening with perspiration, he shouted something in Jimbo's ear and the two of them laughed heartily; then he began.

Simple notes, nothing flashy at the start. He bent one of the notes in a way that sounded almost comical, and I was about to smile when it turned into the most gut-wrenching wail. That was just the beginning.

It horrified me, rather like watching someone turn inside out and reveal his internal organs: palpitating heart, blood-soaked liver and intestines...I felt somewhat guilty, as if by being there I were participating in some form of human sacrifice.

The solo drew to a close. Mink acknowledged the audience's applause and then withdrew into the background again, staring impassively before him as he resumed his sparse accompaniment.

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Catalogue Information

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