Fingers Crossed: How Music Saved Me from Success: Rough Trade Book of the Year

Lush was a band formed in 1988 by Miki Berenyi and Emma Anderson. They were part of the London gig scene during one of the most vibrant and creative periods in UK music. This memoir documents their thrilling rise and untimely fall, including Miki's battles with shyness, mental-health issues, and the dark presence of her abusive grandmother. It also explores her complicated relationship with Emma and addresses the tragedy that led to the band's split.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2023
Publisher: Bonnier Books Ltd

Lush, a band formed in 1988, was a prominent part of the vibrant London gig scene during a remarkable era in UK music. In her captivating memoir, Miki Berenyi delves into the intricate details of her upbringing. Born into a world of travel, celebrities, and privileged glamour, her early life was a whirlwind of experiences. However, frequent relocations, parental neglect, and the haunting presence of her abusive grandmother left deep scars. Miki's journey out of this darkness was through music, a passion shared with her schoolmate Emma Anderson. Together, they embarked on a musical journey that would ultimately lead to the formation of Lush.

The band's talent and exuberance quickly made them a hot commodity, transitioning them from shoegaze icons to Britpop darlings. This memoir, written with uncompromising honesty, relives the band's thrilling rise and untimely fall, documenting the tours, recording sessions, and the chaotic world of the music industry. At its core, the book explores Miki's personal battles. She grapples with the conflict between her public persona and her fragile private identity, navigates the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, and seeks a balance between artistic integrity and commercial success.

Miki also delves into her complex relationship with Emma, a bond that oscillated between camaraderie and rivalry over the years. The memoir sheds light on the devastating tragedy that led to the band's split, providing a raw and emotional account of the events that shaped their journey. Told through frank confession, wry humor, and searing emotional honesty, this is the incredible tale of a trailblazing woman and a seminal band that left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 128 x 199 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788705578