LAZARUS, Come Forth!

Amidst a glut of mediocre, "i-will-survive"-themed, Black, gay, self-published novels, Rashid Darden's Lazarus shines like a diamond on a bed of coal. The language is simple and accessible; the story is fresh, engaging, and true for someone somewhere i'm sure; the conflicts are stimulating; and the outcome by no means certain.

Confession time: this could have been my story. I was predisposed to immediately identify with Lazarus’s protagonist, Adrian Collins, because of my time as a closeted gay man pledging a well-known-but-unnamed-by-me-in-this-post Black fraternity. (And because my frat brother — whom i've not yet met face-to-face — wrote it.) But i was also primed to pick apart every aspect of the story that might have rung false.

I found nothing but truth in Lazarus.

The novel takes the reader on a journey through one young man's rite of passage from being an ordinary college sophomore, through a relationship, into the trials of pledging a fraternity, and to the ultimate triumph of his personal character. I'm trying my best to avoid giving any spoilers; readers should experience Lazarus for themselves. Let me just say that in the hands of a lesser author, several of the characters might have read flat and the ending probably would have been all roses and skipping off into the sunset. Not so with Rashid Darden. He gives us a story that is believable and filled with individuals who remain true to their character throughout.

I recently got the author to take time out of promoting his novel to answer a few quick questions.

malik m.l. williams: Now that Lazarus is in your readers' hands, how are you feeling about the novel?

Rashid Darden:Having my first novel under so much scrutiny has been scary, but in a good way! I am feeling a huge sense of relief that this phase of the project is finally complete; now I can focus on promoting.

mw: So what kind of responses have you received from your readers?

RD: The response has been fantastic. I can’t believe how much people are enjoying Lazarus! I think one of the major strengths of this novel is that it truly breaks new ground. It’s an original story that is both entertaining and relevant. Readers are appreciative of that and they are letting me know!

mw: Speaking of the story, i'm sure folks will want to know: how much of Lazarus is autobiographical?

RD: Lazarus is a work of fiction. The similarities that I share with Adrian Collins are also shared with countless other college-educated black men. That’s what makes Lazarus so appealing – much of it is universal, and that which isn’t universal will still be entertaining.

mw: Okay, so maybe i just wanted to know. I'll let you off the hook on that one ... for now. I know you have to run, but is there anything else you would like to share about the novel before you go?

RD: I want people to know that if they enjoy Lazarus, let me know! Send me an email about it. All feedback is appreciated.

Also, although Lazarus is not yet available through national bookstore chains, that will change. It's a self-published novel, which means that the author is doing everything by himself! So be patient – this novel will be in stores before you know it. Stay tuned to my website www.oldgoldsoul.com for all of the latest updates!

mw: Thanks Rashid. And good luck with promoting Lazarus.

And there you have it. If you're interested in getting more information about Rashid Darden or Lazarus, click on the link above or on the book cover on the BrothaLove RantSpace main page.

Comments

[Rod]

Your were right on target. Lazarus does not read as whiny or self-indulgent. Very good interview.

[Rashid]

What a nice interview. I should pick up this young man's book. LOL ;-)

[BROOKLYNBOYBLUES]

Great post--keep them'-a-coming!, ok?

[Ken W.]

I have just finished reading Lazarus and find it to be unapologetic and not whiny. The characters are strong and allow us to see some of ourselves or someone we know or have encountered in each of them. Thanks to Rashid for bringing this story to the forefront. I look forward to Covenant in 2006. It is a centennial year and cause for lots of celebration.
'06