“Justin Tussing rocks the rock novel. Vexation Lullaby is pure raw pleasure from start to finish.” —Lily King, New York Times–bestelling author of Euphoria
Peter Silver is a young doctor treading water in the wake of a breakup—his ex-girlfriend called him a “mama’s boy” and his best friend considers him a “homebody,” a squanderer of adventure. But when he receives an unexpected request for a house call, he obliges, only to discover that his new patient is aging, chameleonic rock star Jimmy Cross. Soon Peter is compelled to join the mysteriously ailing celebrity, his band, and his entourage, on the road, thrust into a way of life that embraces disorder and risk rather than order and discipline.
Trailing the band at every tour stop is Arthur Pennyman, Cross’s number-one fan. Pennyman has not missed a performance in twenty years, sacrificing his family and job to chronicle every show on his website. And when he hears a mythic, as-yet-unperformed song he starts to piece together the puzzle of Peter’s role in Cross’s past.
Winner of the 2017 Maine Literary Award for Fiction
“With a perfect ear and dry tongue, Tussing nails the ragged star Jimmy Cross and his populist poetry.” —Boris Kachka, Vulture’s “8 Books You Need to Read This April”
“Tender, acerbic and carefully observed . . . As its title suggests, Vexation Lullaby can be both prickly and soothing. Its graceful language, sharp character work and open heart bring home life on the road and leaves the reader satisfied with the trip.” —Michael Berry, Portland Press Herald