The world of music fandom is rife with fantastical “what ifs.” What if you could travel back in time and witness a legendary jam session? What if you stumbled upon your musical heroes in the most unexpected of places? These scenarios dance in the minds of music lovers, fueled by a desire to connect with the artists and sounds that shape our lives. Sometimes, as in the curious case of Langley Powell, these dreams take a surprisingly tangible turn. Jeff Giles’ novel, Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane, weaves a tale of a man on an extraordinary mission, intertwined with an improbable encounter that any rock enthusiast would envy.
This story, drawn from an exclusive excerpt of Giles’ book, begins not with cosmic battles or interdimensional rifts, but with a rather mundane task: a search. Langley, accompanied by his companion Frank, finds himself on the grounds of a Malibu mansion, once home to the enigmatic Neville Pemberton, a figure central to Langley’s mission to, quite literally, save the universe.
Their investigation leads them through the opulent rooms of the house, a testament to wealth and taste, yet devoid of any clues related to Pemberton. The modern art, the vaulted ceilings, the well-appointed kitchen – all spoke of luxury, but offered no connection to the man they sought. Langley, accustomed to the homes of celebrities, found nothing unique, nothing that resonated with the aura of Neville Pemberton.
The Mystery of the Rumbling Sound: A Garage Revelation
Just as they were about to abandon their search of the main house, a low rumble caught Langley’s attention. A sound emanating from an unexplored corner of the property: the garage. Armed with a backpack full of improbable tools (including, notably, a lunchbox full of bologna sandwiches), Langley and Frank approached the garage door, the rumbling growing louder with each step. Frank, ever the pragmatist, suggested using the bologna sandwiches as a first line of defense, a humorous yet telling detail of their preparedness for the unknown.
The rumbling ceased abruptly. The air thickened with anticipation as Frank opened the garage door. Inside, not a menacing figure or hidden lair awaited them, but a trio of musicians, seated in a semi-circle, holding not weapons, but guitars. The blond one, removing his dark glasses, asked a question that shattered Langley’s expectations: “Didn’t I meet you at the Grammys or something one year?”
It was Tom Petty. And with him, Roy Orbison and George Harrison.
A Traveling Wilburys Rehearsal? Not Quite
Langley, in disbelief, stammered out his purpose, his search for Neville Pemberton. Petty, with a laugh, revealed that he now owned the house, purchased after Pemberton’s daughter’s death. He even offered to fetch her, a statement that further blurred the lines of reality for Langley. The realization hit him like a tidal wave: he had stumbled upon a private jam session, an intimate gathering of musical giants. It wasn’t quite a Traveling Wilburys rehearsal, Petty clarified, as Bob Dylan and Jeff Lynne were absent. Yet, the presence of three-fifths of the supergroup was more than enough to leave Langley awestruck.
As Orbison and Harrison stepped out for a smoke break, Langley found himself alone with Tom Petty. A conversation ensued, filled with anecdotes about the house, the quirks of Malibu life, and the ever-present threat of errant golf balls from Johnny Carson. Petty revealed that he’d never met Pemberton, having purchased the house long after his death. The house, held in trust for years after Pemberton’s daughter’s passing, held no trace of the man Langley sought.
Connie’s Presence and the Continuing Mystery
The story takes another unexpected turn with the mention of Connie, Pemberton’s daughter. Petty, with a mischievous grin, revealed that Connie was, in fact, present, standing right behind Langley. A ghostly presence in a house filled with musical echoes, adding another layer of intrigue to this already surreal encounter.
The Search Continues: Beyond the Malibu Mansion
The excerpt concludes with this tantalizing revelation, leaving the reader hanging on a cliffhanger. Where does Langley’s journey take him next? What secrets does Connie hold? The full story unfolds in Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane, a novel that promises a unique blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary, the mundane and the magical.
This chance encounter with musical legends is just one piece of the puzzle in Langley’s larger quest. The book promises a deeper exploration of Pemberton’s legacy, the mysteries surrounding his disappearance, and the true nature of Langley’s mission.
Conclusion: The Intersection of the Mundane and the Extraordinary
Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane offers a captivating narrative that blends the thrill of unexpected encounters with the intrigue of a larger, universe-spanning mission. The story highlights the power of chance encounters, the magic of music, and the unexpected ways in which our paths can intersect with those we admire. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of the mundane, the extraordinary can be just around the corner. For those intrigued by this excerpt, the full story awaits in the pages of Jeff Giles’ novel.
FAQs
What is the main focus of Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane? The story follows Langley Powell on a mission to save the universe, intertwined with the mystery surrounding Neville Pemberton.
Is the book based on a true story? No, the book is a work of fiction.
Where can I purchase the book? The book can be purchased online through various retailers, including the author’s website.
Are there other books by Jeff Giles? Yes, Jeff Giles is a published author and has written other books and articles. More information can be found online.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts and questions about this intriguing excerpt and the novel as a whole.
