All Of It: Get Lit Preview – 'Lazarus Man' by Richard Price

Podcast Title: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart
Episode Title: Get Lit Preview: 'Lazarus Man' by Richard Price
Release Date: January 3, 2025
Host Station: WNYC
Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators in discussions about the "what" and "why" of their work.

Introduction to 'Lazarus Man'

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the highly anticipated novel 'Lazarus Man' by acclaimed novelist and screenwriter Richard Price. Stewart sets the stage by highlighting Price's notable work on influential TV series such as The Wire and The Night Of for HBO. The novel is situated in East Harlem in 2008 and revolves around the catastrophic collapse of a tenement building, exploring the lives of four individuals profoundly impacted by the tragedy.

Alison Stewart introduces the episode with enthusiasm:

"[...] its new novel is set in East Harlem in 2008. It tells the story of the aftermath of a tenement building collapse that leaves many dead, injured, and missing." [00:17]

Inspiration and Genesis of 'Lazarus Man'

Richard Price shares the genesis of his novel, attributing the initial spark to his relocation to Harlem in 2008. Having recently completed Lush Life, a panoramic exploration of the Lower East Side, Price sought to create a similar comprehensive portrayal of his new environment in Harlem.

"The first seed was moving to Harlem in 2008. I had just finished a book on the Lower East Side, Lush Life. And once I moved to Harlem, I wanted to write a similar panorama of this world that I found myself in." [01:23]

Price recounts witnessing a real-life building collapse, which profoundly influenced his storytelling:

"2014, there was a building collapse about 14 blocks south of me in East Harlem. ... I didn't realize this was going to be the center of my book for another two years." [01:56]

A Glimpse into 'Lazarus Man'

To provide listeners with a taste of the novel, Price reads an excerpt from 'Lazarus Man', offering insight into the character Felix, a young photographer living near the collapse site. The passage vividly captures Felix's immediate and visceral reaction to the disaster, blending personal experience with the unfolding chaos.

Character Deep Dive

The conversation transitions to an in-depth discussion of the novel's central characters:

1. Anthony:

   • Background: In his early 40s, Anthony's life has been a series of setbacks. From being an undergraduate at Columbia expelled for dealing drugs to struggling with cocaine addiction, his trajectory is marked by personal loss and professional instability.
   • Current Struggle: On the verge of securing a job at a men's shop, Anthony hopes for a semblance of normalcy.

   "He's about to feel like his life is about to become normal yet again." [05:33]

2. Mary:

   • Role: A dedicated local police officer determined to find a missing person from the collapse.
   • Motivation: Mary is driven by a personal connection; the missing individual resembles someone her father once assaulted fatally. This resemblance fuels her obsession to resolve the case personally.

   "Cops do things, pick cases, pick up sessions for reasons that are very tied into their biographies." [06:48]

3. Royal Davis:

   • Occupation: Owner of a struggling funeral home.
   • Reaction to Collapse: Sees the tragedy as a potential lifeline for his business, even involving his young son in distributing business cards at the site.

   "His business is crumbling. You need like five, six bodies a month just to make it to meet your nut as a funeral proprietor." [08:07]

Crafting Rich Characters

Price emphasizes his pride in the novel's character development, particularly highlighting Mary Rose:

"Mary Rose trajectory, she's a 40-year-old community affairs cop... She's very good at calming people down. She's in a dissolving marriage that keeps congealing and dissolving. She has kids she doesn't know how to relate to." [09:03]

He touches upon the nuanced motivations that drive each character, reflecting their personal histories and internal struggles. This depth ensures that readers can connect with and understand the multifaceted nature of each individual's response to the tragedy.

Upcoming Event: Get Lit with Richard Price

The episode concludes with details about an upcoming event featuring Richard Price:

"Our get lit with all of it book Club event. We will see you on the 28th." [09:58]

Alison Stewart invites listeners to attend the Get Lit with All Of It book club event on Tuesday, January 28th at 6 PM, where Price will discuss his work in more detail. Tickets are available for free at wnyc.org/getlit, with an encouragement to secure them promptly due to high demand.

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers a comprehensive preview of Richard Price's 'Lazarus Man', blending author insights with character analysis to paint a vivid picture of the novel's themes and narratives. Through engaging dialogue and poignant excerpts, listeners gain a deep understanding of the book's exploration of tragedy, resilience, and the intricate web of personal motivations that shape human responses to calamity.

Note: This summary excludes promotional segments unrelated to the main content, focusing solely on the substantive discussions between Alison Stewart and Richard Price regarding 'Lazarus Man'.