The Gospel According to Lazarus

By Richard Zimler

'The most remarkable aspect of this brave and engaging novel ... is that zimler manages to make the best-known narrative in western culture a page-turner.' — The Guardian

From the international best-selling author of The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon comes a dazzling new work of historical fiction.

In the New Testament, we are told that Jesus resurrected a beloved friend named Lazarus from the dead. Missing from the Gospel is a description of how Jesus accomplished this miracle and if he had a special purpose for saving his companion. Acclaimed and best-selling historical novelist Richard Zimler takes up the tale, and through the eyes of the troubled Lazarus, recreates the story of the Passion.

Returned to life, Lazarus has difficulties regaining his previous identity and confidence. His experience of death has left him fragile and disoriented. Worse still, he has seen nothing of any afterlife. As Lazarus turns more and more to Jesus for guidance and answers, watching as his friend's mystical powers grow, along with his cult, he finds that their lives are now politically and, therefore, dangerously entwined.

In an often surprising and subtle portrayal, Zimler places Jesus in his historical context of ancient Jewish practise and traditions; at once a charismatic Rabbi and political activist, who used his knowledge of a transcendent reality - the Kingdom of Heaven - to bring justice and compassion to his time and place. Through Lazarus, Zimler makes the familiar story new and finds fresh meaning and poignancy in the Passion and Crucifixion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Peter Owen Publishers
• Release date: May 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9780720620634

Richard Zimler

Richard Zimler’s eleven novels have been translated into twenty-three languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in twelve different countries, including the UK, United States, Australia, Brazil, Italy and Portugal. Five of his works have been nominated for the International Dublin Literary Award, the richest prize in the English-speaking world, and he has won prizes for his fiction in the UK, America, France and Portugal. Richard has explored the lives of different branches and generations of a Portuguese-Jewish family in four highly acclaimed historical novels, starting with The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon, now in development as a major film. He grew up in New York and since 1990 has lived in Porto, Portugal. For his contributions to Portuguese culture he was awarded the city’s highest distinction, the Medal of Honour.