I am Lazarus
short stories

This Edition: First British Edition
Published 1945
London: Jonathan Cape Ltd.
New York: Doubleday
(U.S. edition was combined with Asylum Piece)

It would be difficult if not impossible to mention any new writer during the past few years whose work has had as much attention from the leading critics as Anna Kavan's Asylum Piece. This book has had a limited by steadily increasing sale since its publication in 1940. For the time being it is not readily obtainable and only a lucky chance would discover a copy on a bookseller's shelves. Miss Kavan's new book I am Lazarus continues the vein of Asylum Piece, being a series of short stories and sketches of people on the order of complete mental breakdown, depressed and on the point when to continue living is almost intolerable. Reviewing Asylum Piece Mr. Desmond McCarthy said - 'Miss Kavan is an artist of great distinction. What is remarkable is that the subject of these short stories not only kept the lamp alight in the fog impending insanity but was able to project dramatically the experience of fellow sufferers. There is a beauty in these stories which has nothing to do with their pathological interest and is the result of art. Two or Three, if signed by a famous name might rank among that story teller's memorable achievements.'

Stories in this Edition:

. I am Lazarus
. Palace of Sleep
. Who has desired the sea
. The Blackout
. Glorious Boys
. Face of my people
. The Heavenly Adversary
. The Brother
. The Gannets
. The Picture
. All kinds of grief shall arrive
. A certain experience
. Benjo
. Now I know where my place is
. Our city