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2.83 AVERAGE
2.83 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
"Spark" portrays the amateur comedy circuit and provides an interesting insight into Japanese culture and manzai. It's a short novel about mentorship, friendship, pursuing your art and the frustrations of creating material with another person. Overall I didn't really get it and I gave up at the erection bit. Too bizarre. Apparently there is a Netflix series streaming now.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think it's best that I don't rate this one. I can definitely see what the author was going for, but unfortunately two things don't translate all that well: introspective, emotional commentary and comedy, and that's exactly what this book is about. I'm pretty familiar with Manzai, so that wasn't too hard to keep up with, but there's something about this story that didn't feel like it worked well in English. Maybe it's because there's so much telling without much showing? I don't know, but I think I'm going to watch the Netflix show. I feel like having dialog and visuals will benefit this story a ton. At least for a non-Japanese speaker.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
An engaging read, not something everyone will love, however. Some understanding and familiarity of Japanese culture will be helpful to enjoy this tale of two manzai comedians, and the friendship that develops between them. Tokunaga, a young comedian, latches on to Kamiya, a more experienced comedian, and becomes Kamiya's student of sorts. Tokunaga is unsure of himself, unsure of his talent, and looks up to the bold, brash, confident Kamiya almost reverently, even as he sees Kamiya's style of comedy goes beyond the bounds of what's funny and not offensive at times. The friendship between the two is the real star of the story, the awkward camaraderie, the drunken conversations about life and the art of manzai. An interesting character study, worth reading.
#Spark #NetGalley
#Spark #NetGalley
This is really different from what I usually read and I don't know what to think. I didn't find it funny at all, I thought it was actually incredibly sad. I don't regret reading it, though, it was definitely interesting, especially to get an insight into Japanese society.
I believe it's very culture specific, and I feel a lot of it went over my head as I had never heard of manzai before.
I believe it's very culture specific, and I feel a lot of it went over my head as I had never heard of manzai before.
I’m a great lover of contemporary Japanese literature, and I enjoyed this one, with its melancholy humor. It’s look at the creative life/ comedy struck a chord, but I suspect it’s an acquired taste.
Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
