Podcast Summary: All Of It with Alison Stewart – Richard Price’s 'Lazarus Man'
Episode Title: Richard Price's 'Lazarus Man' Follows The Aftermath Of A Building Collapse
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Podcast: All Of It
Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, engaging thinkers, doers, makers, and creators to explore the what and why of their work.
Introduction to Richard Price and 'Lazarus Man'
In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, acclaimed author and screenwriter Richard Price discusses his latest novel, Lazarus Man. Known for capturing the essence of New York City in his works like The Wanderers and Lush Life, Price delves into the intricacies of East Harlem through the lens of a tragic building collapse.
Notable Quote:
"Lazarus Man is a book about second chances and a colorful portrait of life in East Harlem." – Alison Stewart [00:09]
Setting and Inspiration
Lazarus Man is set in East Harlem during 2008, a pivotal year for Price personally, as it marked his relocation to the neighborhood. The novel centers around the catastrophic collapse of a tenement building, resulting in numerous casualties, injuries, and missing persons. This event serves as the catalyst for the intertwining lives of four main characters: Mary, Felix, Royal, and Anthony.
Key Points:
- Mary: A community affairs officer grappling with a divorce while desperately searching for a missing resident.
- Felix: A newcomer and street photographer documenting the aftermath.
- Royal: A funeral home director opportunistically leveraging the tragedy to promote his services.
- Anthony: A survivor pulled from the rubble more than 24 hours after the collapse, symbolizing a rebirth.
Notable Quote:
"It's about what's going on in his mind after he's found. And I don't want to say any more, you know, because we'll save it for the end." – Richard Price [10:35]
Richard Price’s Personal Connection and Research
Price shares his personal experiences during an actual building collapse near his residence, which inspired the novel's setting and events. Living a short distance from the collapse site, he spent hours observing the chaos, crowds, and first responders, capturing the human element amidst disaster.
Notable Quote:
"I spent a couple of hours just watching the crowds... by reflex, people with their cell phones are like photojournalists." – Richard Price [01:57]
He emphasizes his focus on small, nuanced details rather than grand narratives, seeking to portray the genuine reactions and interactions of people affected by the tragedy.
Research Efforts:
- Eyewitness Accounts: Connected with an EMT who witnessed the collapse.
- Interviews with Cops: Gained insights into the challenges of identifying and locating missing individuals.
- Community Engagement: Interacted with local funeral directors to authentically represent their roles.
Notable Quote:
"Write what you know. But what do you know when you're young, you know, and I would just go out. Hang out, learn that. And that becomes part of what you know." – Richard Price [20:06]
Character Development and Narrative Structure
Price discusses the complexity of writing multiple perspectives, drawing parallels to ensemble films like those of Robert Altman. Each character’s storyline progresses in tandem, reflecting the interconnected nature of the community.
Notable Quote:
"It's like beboping, you know, I mean, it sounds like scatter, but there is pattern beneath the scatter." – Richard Price [27:02]
Character Insights:
- Mary: Explores the personal and professional struggles of a cop maintaining community relations.
- Felix: Represents the artistic eye capturing the transient moments of disaster.
- Royal: Highlights the opportunistic side of community services.
- Anthony: Embodies survival and the psychological aftermath of trauma.
Exploring Themes of Community and Identity
Price delves into the essence of Harlem, emphasizing its vibrant, engaging community where interaction is a cornerstone. Moving to Harlem in 2008, he learned the importance of community engagement and the nuanced social dynamics that define the neighborhood.
Notable Quote:
"This is the most engaging neighborhood I've ever lived in in terms of eye contact and people's being willing. You just say hi, and they tell you the story." – Richard Price [07:07]
He contrasts Harlem’s openness with other parts of Manhattan, highlighting the neighborhood’s unique character and the deep sense of belonging among its residents.
Authenticity in Portraying Professions
When discussing Royal, the funeral home director, Price emphasizes the authenticity of his portrayal by immersing himself in the lives of actual funeral directors in Harlem. This research ensured a realistic depiction of the profession, balancing the gravity of the role with moments of humor and humanity.
Notable Quote:
"I hung out with black funeral directors in Harlem... I believe in osmosis." – Richard Price [18:55]
Audience Interaction and Writing Style
During the episode, audience members posed questions about Price’s writing techniques, including his use of run-on sentences and the development of peripheral characters. Price attributes his unique writing style to his personal experiences and a natural, unfiltered stream of consciousness.
Notable Quote:
"My mind is a run on sentence." – Richard Price [24:10]
He also discusses the importance of peripheral characters in enriching the narrative, ensuring they are memorable and contribute depth to the main storyline.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the conversation wraps up, Price reflects on the thematic elements of his novel, particularly the struggles and resilience of his characters in their personal relationships. He underscores the balance between personal growth and communal bonds, illustrating how each character's journey interweaves with the collective experience of East Harlem.
Notable Quote:
"One thing, I mean, one thing I haven't seen in your work earlier to this extent is... negotiations around sex were just... hilarious and tragic comic. Frequently." – Alison Stewart [28:39]
Closing Notes:
This episode of All Of It offers an in-depth exploration of Richard Price’s Lazarus Man, revealing the thoughtful research and personal experiences that shape his portrayal of East Harlem. Through engaging discussions and insightful questions, listeners gain a deeper understanding of Price’s narrative choices and the rich, multifaceted characters that bring his novel to life.
Additional Resources:
- Book Club Selection: January Get Lit with All Of It Book Club – Lazarus Man by Richard Price
- Live Event: Sold-out session at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library featuring Richard Price
- Audience Participation: Over 3,273 New Yorkers checked out the e-copy through the New York Public Library
This summary was crafted based on the provided transcript of the podcast episode. For a more immersive experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode of All Of It on WNYC.