Spark
Published on 5. March 2020
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-1-78227-590-9 (ISBN)
Description
<b>Hilarious, strange and moving in equal measure - a Japanese multi-million-copy smash hit about the struggles of a pair of young manzai stand-up comedians</b>
Tokunaga is a young comedian struggling to make a name for himself when he is taken under the wing of Kamiya, who is either a crazy genius or perhaps just crazy. Kamiya's indestructible confidence inspires Tokunaga, but it also makes him doubt the limits of his own talent, and dedication to Manzai comedy.
<i>Spark</i> is a story about art and friendship, about countless bizarre drunken conversations and how far it's acceptable to go for a laugh. A novel about comedy that's as moving and thoughtful as it is funny, it's already been a sensation in Japan.
Reviews / Votes
A whip-smart tale that'll prove impossible to put down * Vogue * Edgy... the familiar story of the apprentice surpassing his master * Sunday Times * The seedy side of Tokyo is summoned up in tale about a comedy duo and the awkward bonds of men...Spark does the city credit * Financial Times * This novel screams out that there's nothing more beautiful than a fool who's kind, and not one person can laugh at that beauty -- Kanako Nishi Excels as a comedy of the absurd... a Japanese Withnail and I... Immensely satisfying * Japan Society * I read Spark three times. This novel has ten books worth of themes packed into one novel. It oozes resonance and has some unforgettable scenes -- Masaru Sato Irresistible. A painfully sensitive rendering of the reality for young manzai comedians... The writing is wonderful -- Akio NakamoriMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 132 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
165 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78227-590-9 (9781782275909)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Persons
Naoki Matayoshi is a Japanese manzai comedian and author, who found fame performing as part of the popular comic duo Peace. Spark is his first novel and has been hugely successful in Japan since it was first published in 2016. It has won the Akutagawa Prize and was adapted for film, stage and TV - the hit series is available on Netflix UK.