All Of It: Author Richard Price on 'Lazarus Man'

Hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, January 31, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this compelling episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, acclaimed author and screenwriter Richard Price joins the show to discuss his latest novel, "Lazarus Man." Known for his vivid portrayals of New York City life in works like The Wanderers and Lush Life, Price delves into the intricate layers of his new book set against the backdrop of East Harlem in 2008.

Overview of 'Lazarus Man'

"Lazarus Man" centers around the aftermath of a catastrophic tenement building collapse in East Harlem, resulting in numerous casualties and missing persons. The narrative intricately weaves the lives of four central characters—Mary, Felix, Royal, and Anthony—each profoundly impacted by the tragedy. The novel explores themes of survival, community resilience, and the quest for second chances within the vibrant tapestry of Harlem.

Richard Price's Inspiration and Setting (00:38 - 07:36)

Richard Price recounts a personal experience that significantly influenced "Lazarus Man." Reflecting on the day a building near his residence at 129th Street collapsed, Price describes the visceral impact it had on him:

“The boom, it just went right through my body.” (02:26)

He spent hours observing the unfolding chaos, capturing small, poignant moments amidst the disaster. This firsthand experience provided authentic material for his novel, allowing him to portray the community's response with genuine insight.

Price chose to set the novel in 2008 to avoid the tumultuous political climate of the early 2020s, aiming instead to focus on the human and communal aspects of the story. He notes:

“I didn’t want to deal with a lot of political moments of the moment... It was just a time.” (05:54)

Moving to Harlem in 2008 opened his eyes to the neighborhood's unique dynamics. Price emphasizes the multifaceted nature of New York City, stating:

“There are a billion New York Cities... I moved to Harlem, and it's like I moved to the city of Harlem where I'd never lived before.” (07:30)

Character Development

Mary: The Community Affairs Cop (12:35 - 15:08)

Mary, one of the novel's protagonists, is a dedicated community affairs officer navigating the complexities of East Harlem. Price explores her role in bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community:

“Her job, basically, is to calm people down, and she gets paid for that.” (13:29)

Mary's personal struggles, including her impending divorce and challenging relationships with her children, add depth to her character. Price intentionally crafted her as a domestic figure within the police force to diverge from typical crime fiction stereotypes.

Felix: The Upstate Photographer (15:08 - 18:56)

Felix, a newcomer to Harlem and a passionate photographer, serves as the novel's lens into the neighborhood's evolving landscape. Price's fascination with street photography is evident in Felix's character, reflecting the transient yet impactful moments captured through his lens.

When discussing Felix, Price shares his admiration for street photographers:

“I love street photography... James Van Der Zee, Joseph Rodriguez...” (16:48)

Felix's journey mirrors the changes in Harlem, capturing the last echoes of a bygone era as the community faces gentrification and shifting dynamics.

Royal: The Funeral Home Director (19:09 - 22:14)

Royal, the funeral home director, offers a unique perspective on life and death within the community. Price immersed himself in the lives of Harlem's funeral directors to authentically portray Royal's character. He explains:

“I hung out with black funeral directors in Harlem... I believe in osmosis.” (19:24)

Royal's interactions provide both graphic and humorous insights into his profession, humanizing a role often shrouded in solemnity.

Anthony: The Miracle Survivor (23:37 - 32:44)

Anthony, the "Lazarus Man," emerges as a pivotal character whose miraculous survival sparks a transformation in his life. Price delves into Anthony's psychological journey post-rescue, exploring themes of rebirth and self-discovery.

When discussing Anthony's miraculous survival, Price remarks:

“He's really good speaking to people, speaking to people. Really feels like he's been reborn.” (24:23)

Anthony's interactions and evolving relationships underscore the novel's exploration of personal redemption and the complexities of human connections.

Writing Process and Style (09:10 - 15:08)

Price elaborates on his writing methodology, particularly his approach to developing multiple characters and perspectives. He draws inspiration from ensemble films and emphasizes the importance of rhythm and balance in his narrative structure:

“It's like a Robert Altman film... constantly shifting... ships passing in the night.” (11:12)

He acknowledges critiques regarding his writing style, distinguishing his prose from traditional screenwriting:

“I wrote four books before I wrote my first screenplay... that's how I like to write. It goes fast.” (11:04)

Peripheral Characters and Narrative Structure (26:36 - 28:16)

In response to audience questions, Price discusses his creation of peripheral characters—those who add color and depth to the narrative without necessarily driving the main plot. He believes in giving these characters recurring appearances to enrich the story's fabric:

“Give them as much life as you can for the brief time that they're on the stage.” (28:16)

Examples include recurring figures like the woman claiming familial ties to public figures, adding layers of realism and humor to the novel.

Themes of Relationships and Rebuilding (28:43 - 31:15)

A prevailing theme in "Lazarus Man" is the fragility and resilience of personal relationships amidst chaos. Each main character grapples with their romantic and familial ties, mirroring the broader community's efforts to rebuild after the tragedy.

Price reflects on the authenticity of these relationships:

“It's just life... you live long enough, you've been in all kinds of scenarios.” (30:22)

The characters' struggles with love and connection serve as microcosms of the neighborhood's healing process.

Audience Interaction (25:33 - 32:44)

The episode features an engaging Q&A segment where listeners pose questions about Price's writing techniques and character development. Highlights include:

• Run-On Sentences: Price candidly discusses his tendency towards long, unbroken sentences, attributing it to his natural writing flow rather than a deliberate stylistic choice.

  “It's like my mind is a run on sentence.” (25:46)

• Peripheral Characters: He elaborates on the necessity of recurring peripheral characters to maintain narrative continuity and enrich the storytelling.

• Anthony's Father: Addressing Anthony's father, Price describes him as a complex character embodying conflicting identities and societal roles:

  “He's an Irish Italian, pugnacious race warrior... you cannot be black by connection.” (31:21)

  This exploration underscores themes of identity and belonging within the multicultural landscape of Harlem.

Conclusion

Richard Price's "Lazarus Man" offers a nuanced exploration of community, survival, and personal redemption set against the vibrant and dynamic backdrop of East Harlem. Through intricate character development and authentic storytelling, Price captures the essence of a neighborhood grappling with tragedy and striving for renewal. This episode of All Of It provides listeners with a deep dive into the creative process behind the novel, highlighting Price's commitment to portraying the multifaceted nature of New York City life.

For those interested in further exploring "Lazarus Man," you can engage with the All Of It Book Club selections and join the vibrant discussions facilitated by WNYC.