The Lost Gospel of Lazarus - by Richard Zimler (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A powerful tale inspired by the biblical Raising of Lazarus.

What if your beloved friend brings you back from the dead, and you see nothing of any afterlife? And what if that friend is Yeshua, the mystic who will come to be known as Jesus? His miracles are stirring the authorities in Jerusalem, and Lazarus finds himself scrambling after his childhood companion during Passion Week, the turbulent final chapter in Yeshua's life. Meanwhile Lazarus struggles to return to his work and family, feeling a great sense of fragility and lost identity since his return to the living world. He can't help but wonder if he was resurrected to save Yeshua in his time of dire need...

Richard Zimler's impeccably researched novel draws you into to Roman-controlled Jerusalem, the Jewish communities within it and the permeating Greek cultural influences. A cast of biblical figures, from Mary and Joseph to Mary Magdalene, are restored to their roots. Zimler brings us a fascinating, exciting and highly moving read.

Review Quotes

'Novels based on Bible narratives are thin on the ground in our secular times, and can be hit-or-miss affairs, but Richard Zimler's The Gospel According to Lazarus is both engaging theology and literary thriller. How amazing to be Lazarus and get a second bite at life, I used to think, until I read this reverent and subtle meditation on the ways in which the dead can interact with the living, chronicling a profound friendship between Yeshua (Jesus) and Lazarus, in which each saves the other's life.'- Church Times

'Rich in detail and perception and grounded in the sensual compulsions of life such as hunger, pain, interpersonal relations and psychological eccentricities... Zimler's tone is compassionate. His audience may find, in its evocation of intrigue, passion and trauma, aspects of a biblical thriller.'- Jewish Chronicle

'A very human tale of rivalry, betrayal, power-grabbing and sacrifice . . . Perhaps 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. I simply had to keep going to the end to know what would happen.'- The Observer