The Lazarus Project

On 2 March 1908, nineteen-year-old Lazarus Averbuch, a Russian Jewish immigrant in Chicago, attempted to deliver a letter to Chief of Police George Shippy, who shot him dead, claiming Averbuch was an anarchist assassin linked to foreign operatives. Left alone in a city rife with political and ethnic tensions, Averbuch's sister, Olga, faced profound loss. In the twenty-first century, Brik, a young Bosnian writer in Chicago, becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about Lazarus. Alongside his charming but unreliable friend Rora, a photographer, Brik embarks on a journey to Lazarus's birthplace, navigating a history marked by pogroms and poverty, and a present filled with gangsters and prostitutes. The narrative is described as masterful, blending humor with deep reflections, showcasing Hemon's unique literary talent. Critics note his ability to evoke both laughter and thought, drawing comparisons to literary greats while maintaining his originality. The work is hailed as profoundly moving, combining a gripping storyline with explorations of identity and mortality, making it a compelling read.