The Incredible Adam Spark (Paperback, New ed)

This critically acclaimed debut novel from Scottish author Bissett (Ed., Boyracers, 2002; Creative Writing/Univ. of Glasgow) found a niche following in the U.K., but the odds are stacked against history repeating itself on this side of the Atlantic.Bissett has bent the laws of grammar, punctuation and capitalization. The writing, which combines modern slang and Scottish colloquial phrasing, is at times impossible to decipher and may seem utterly incomprehensible to anyone who didn't grow up in Scotland. The plot concerns Adam Spark, a teenage fast-food worker who undergoes a series of personal trials and tribulations. Is Adam a superhero? Following an accident, he finds he's communicating with creatures and things in ways that make no sense. In fact, everything in his life changes - even his relationship with time. Adam's journey forces him to choose between good and evil, and also presents the possibility that he might lose the one person who means the most to him. Alas, most of the pages resemble Scrabble tiles tossed haphazardly onto a piece of paper. American readers will find themselves in need of someone able to translate expressions such as "ya feartys" and "pakishop." The comic-book-inspired cover suggests a story aimed at tweens - good luck getting them, or anyone, to stay with it. Baffling and boring. (Kirkus Reviews)

A dazzling performance (think Forrest Gump, think Curious Incident, think Anne Donovan's Buddha Da) from one of Scotland's brightest new talents. Adam Spark. Eighteen going on eight-and-a-half. Fast-food worker. Queen fan. Last in the queue for luck. On waking from an accident in which he saves a child, he has the distinct impression that all is far from right. What are these curious lights that seem to surround people? Why are animals and machines trying to speak to him? And can he really control time? Is it just his imagination, or has Adam Spark been chosen to become Scotland's first, and only, superhero? This, however, is the least of his problems. The local gang is luring him into deeper and darker peril. His sister and lone carer, Jude, is giving all her love to another woman. And if Jude abandons Adam - or Adam drives her away - all the superpowers in the world won't be able to save him.

General

Imprint:	Headline Review
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	February 2006
First published:	July 2006
Authors:	Alan Bissett
Dimensions:	196 x 129 x 21mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback - B-format
Pages:	320
Edition:	New ed
ISBN-13:	978-0-7553-2646-4
Categories:	Books > Fiction > General & literary fiction > Modern fiction
LSN:	0-7553-2646-6
Barcode:	9780755326464

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