Spark
Published on 27. February 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-1-80533-225-1 (ISBN)
Description
<b>The Japanese sensation - now a Netflix series</b>
'A whip-smart tale that'll prove impossible to put down' <i>Vogue</i></b>
Young Tokunaga is struggling to make a name for himself on the Tokyo comedy circuit when he is taken under the wing of Kamiya, a crazy genius - or perhaps just crazy. Kamiya's indestructible confidence inspires the younger man, and the two form a double act to perform the strange art of <i>Manzai</i> comedy. But as they become increasingly entwined, Tokunaga begins to doubt the limits of his own talent and of his dedication to the craft.
<i>Spark</i> is a story about art and friendship, about countless bizarre drunken conversationsand how far it's acceptable to go for a laugh.
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 (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 128 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
146 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-80533-225-1 (9781805332251)
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
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.