Photo credit: www.publishersweekly.com

Richard Price: The Reluctant Novelist

Despite achieving notable success with bestselling novels, prestigious awards, and acclaimed film adaptations, writer Richard Price confesses that he doesn’t particularly relish the act of writing itself. In a candid moment during a recent Zoom call from his Harlem brownstone, Price mused, “If there were a pill that could make me unconscious and then a manuscript appeared when I woke up, I would take it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, there’s no such pill.”

Price’s literary focus often revolves around pressing social issues such as violence, drug use, race, and identity, expressed with striking clarity. The influential works of authors like James Baldwin, particularly his novel Go Tell It on the Mountain, as well as the stand-up comedy of Lenny Bruce, have shaped his approach. With nine published novels to his name—including The Wanderers, a tale about a Bronx gang from 1974; Clockers, a pivotal narrative exploring the lives of cops and drug dealers in a fictional New Jersey; and Lush Life, which dives into crime on the Lower East Side—Price has garnered international acclaim, with translations in over 15 languages. His screenplay credits include The Color of Money, which earned him an Academy Award nomination, and the HBO miniseries The Night Of.

Price proclaims, “I am a novelist first,” emphasizing this identity even as he balances projects across writing mediums. His forthcoming novel, Lazarus Man (set for release in November), marks his first major work in almost a decade. The narrative, set in 2008 East Harlem, is expansive, focusing on themes of second chances and lost love through the intertwining lives of four characters affected by the tragic collapse of a tenement building.

Growing up in the Bronx in 1949, Price encountered physical challenges due to cerebral palsy, which limited the use of his right hand but shaped his perspective on the world. Recalling his grandmother’s words, he said, “She told me, ‘You might be a little bit of a cripple, but you have a brilliant mind.'” Price believes that his physical limitations contributed to his writing journey, positioning him as an outsider.

After earning a BA in industrial labor relations from Cornell University in 1971, Price faced initial resistance from his parents when he expressed his desire to pursue an MFA in writing. “They were understandably concerned about my career prospects,” he recalled. Nevertheless, his dedication to writing flourished at Columbia University, where he wrote avidly, resulting in two novels even before his graduation in 1976.

The early 1980s brought financial strife and struggles with addiction as Price turned to screenwriting to support himself. He candidly reflected on this period, saying, “I could write 100 engaging pages while using cocaine, but they were for different projects—none ever complete.” After seeking sobriety and starting a family, he remarried in 2012, finding balance and companionship with fellow novelist Lorraine Adams.

Price’s screenwriting success catapulted in the late 1980s, during which he sought inspiration directly from his surroundings, particularly through police ride-alongs while developing the script for Sea of Love. Discussing his methodology, he said, “I don’t want to write; I want to talk to people,” indicating that engaging with real-life experiences is crucial to his creative process.

David Simon, the creator of the critically acclaimed series The Wire, has cited Clockers as a significant inspiration for his show, noting Price’s uncanny ability to capture the essence of any world he depicts. “His dialogue resonates with authenticity, making each character come alive,” Simon stated.

In Lazarus Man, Price’s talent for crafting vivid dialogue and exploring the complexities of human emotions is evident. The story unfolds in the aftermath of the tenement’s collapse, centering on characters like Anthony Carter, an ex-addict becoming a reluctant media darling; Mary Roe, a cop seeking to uncover the fate of one of the missing individuals; Felix Pearl, a photographer grappling with identity amidst gentrification; and Royal Davis, a funeral director viewing the tragedy as an opportunity.

As Price delves into the tangled emotional lives of these characters, he captures their various struggles, including Mary’s difficulties in navigating her relationships and Anthony’s exposure to vulnerability in new romantic pursuits.

The novel’s inception was sparked by a real-life tenement collapse in 2014, which prompted Price to explore the intricacies of life in Harlem. Reflecting on this, he said, “The physical impact of that event was overwhelming, and only later could I explore the subtleties of what I experienced.” He elaborated that over time and familiarity with the neighborhood, he learned that profound insights can stem from simple moments in daily life.

According to Jonathan Galassi, Price’s editor, his perceptiveness and authentic portrayal of urban life set him apart as a true artist. “He understands the city from an insider’s perspective,” Galassi noted.

Despite his reputation for tackling gritty subjects, his agent Lynn Nesbit stresses Price’s nuanced sensitivity beneath the surface. “There’s a gentleness in his work that often goes unnoticed,” she asserted. “He is truly one of a kind.”

Today, Price enjoys a fulfilling life with newfound personal joys, such as being a grandfather. Despite his humorous lament about wishing for a magical writing solution, he embraces the fun and continual learning that writing brings. “It’s crucial to remain curious and be a student throughout life,” he shared. “That eagerness to learn never fades.”

A version of this article appeared in the 09/30/2024 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: True Grit.

Source
www.publishersweekly.com