An artistic, interesting and appealing approach

‘Lazarus: Prose – Poetry’ Author: Richard England Publisher: Kite Group; Malta 2020

“Lazarus, come forth!” – I can still hear echoing in my ears these precise words uttered by English actor Robert Powell playing the role of Jesus in Franco Zeffirelli’s classic 1978 film Jesus of Nazareth. Powell spoke the words with such a commanding voice that although I was only 12, both the tone and the words are still clear in my memory.

This is what came to mind when I began reading Richard England’s icon book entitled Lazarus: Prose – Poetry beautifully published by Kite Group. Once again, this Maltese publishing house is giving us a sumptuous publication which deals with a theme which cannot be in any way obsolete or underrated. In an age where the subject of death has become to many, simply anathema, it is providential that the topic is being tackled not by some philosopher of master of religion but by one of Malta’s – not to say southern Europe’s – greatest architect.

Although the subject matter of death may be for many a religious one, England’s book is not primary religious. It is certainly spiritual without being confessional, rendering itself more interesting in its approach and more appealing. It will certainly attract a wide audience since the author reaches to the subject in question from an artistic but no less ontological point-of-view. Although I read the book in one sitting, I had to go back to it again and again to check and verify if I had really comprehended every notion and grasped every idea. Unsurprisingly, I instantly became aware that although the text is clear and to the point in its exposition, the book is not merely a literary feat; it will serve its mission if it instils in the reader, the need to reflect and even meditate.

Lazarus: Prose – Poetry seeks to find a balance between prose and poetry. The author’s command of the English language exhausts every adjective that comes to mind but this does not hinder but rather help the reader to enjoy it and go through it slowly developing a sense of awe on the way. The book is narrated in the third person singular, but there are times where the author takes the role of Lazarus himself, seeking to understand better the notions of time and space beyond this life but still finding it difficult to explain the supernatural experience in words.

Readers might appreciate the distinction that he draws between resuscitation and resurrection together with the potential presentation of Lazarus as the real “beloved disciple” of Jesus. From this perspective, the book will certainly draw the attention of students of Scripture and biblical scholars alike. Lack of information “from the personalities who were returned from the dead as recounted in the pages of the Bible” is a regret that the author does not think twice to express. The constant search for sound knowledge and better understanding of the “measurelessness” and “timelessness” beyond this life seem to be the raison d’être for the writing of this exquisite publication that is reaching the public this month, the month traditionally connected with the Christian manifestation of respect for our deceased loved ones, mainly shown through visits to our cemeteries.

Christian in inspiration but universal in its motivation, Richard England’s latest book brings to the fore – quoting Daniel Libeskind – his ability in “making his reader his companion on a journey both mysterious and terrifying”. Paul Sant Cassia’s comment “How Saying Nothing can say Everything as long as We can Listen” in the book’s epilogue is one way how to look at the mystery of the afterlife without losing inner peace in the face of life’s greatest mystery.

Copies are available from www.kitegroup.com.mt. A Book Festival 25% discount applies on all titles purchased online or from Kite’s office: 13, Franciscans Street, Ħamrun