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katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
This was a random recommendation generated on a website that I took a chance on. I'd never heard of the author or title before.
The premise I felt was a little different to the actual plot, but I did still enjoy it.
It was a surprise though, from the first page, to have to read this quite slowly, as it is written in both Scottish dialect, and reflecting the learning difficulties of the narrator, Adam. This made it hard to read, with little punctuation and words spelled in 'interesting' ways. I'm a fast reader, so to read so carefully was quite annoying at first, but I did get used to it. I can see that some reviewers haven't enjoyed this aspect at all. For me, I eventually did come to terms with it and liked the insight into Adam's mind.
Adam Spark has always been different. It seems he's always been bullied, taken advantage of at school, and never really had many friends. Now 18, he lives with his sister who is clearly exhausted trying to live her student life while paying the bills and taking care of her brother while their parents are 'in Oz' (clearly no longer living). Adam spends a lot of time listening to Queen music and working in a fast food chain, doing his best to become Employee of the Month but more of a hindrance to everyone in his workplace than a help.
The story takes us through a few months of his life, as he tries to fit in with a local gang, meets and feels an attraction for a new co-worker with her own health issues, and tries to be a superhero (possibly even gaining superpowers!) helping others. All the while, his sister is yearning for her freedom and a new love that Adam is doing his best not to notice and then not to accept.
The reader is aware of the wider world Adam lives in, what is going on around him that he either isn't capable of seeing or chooses not to. It makes for a fascinating narration, and Adam can be both frustrating and endearing.
Jude, the socialist student sister, is a strong feminine influence in his life, with her own backstory that Adam seems oblivious to, and I really enjoyed Adam's burgeoning romance with a fellow Queen fan.
It would work well on film/television, with some wonderful parts and lines.
Humorous and at times moving, this is a memorable read about an unusual young man that ends nicely for him and those around him, with just enough hint at what is to come for a feel-good close.
One that older teens might like (if they have the patience to wade through the writing style) and adults who enjoy stories with unique narrators.
The premise I felt was a little different to the actual plot, but I did still enjoy it.
It was a surprise though, from the first page, to have to read this quite slowly, as it is written in both Scottish dialect, and reflecting the learning difficulties of the narrator, Adam. This made it hard to read, with little punctuation and words spelled in 'interesting' ways. I'm a fast reader, so to read so carefully was quite annoying at first, but I did get used to it. I can see that some reviewers haven't enjoyed this aspect at all. For me, I eventually did come to terms with it and liked the insight into Adam's mind.
Adam Spark has always been different. It seems he's always been bullied, taken advantage of at school, and never really had many friends. Now 18, he lives with his sister who is clearly exhausted trying to live her student life while paying the bills and taking care of her brother while their parents are 'in Oz' (clearly no longer living). Adam spends a lot of time listening to Queen music and working in a fast food chain, doing his best to become Employee of the Month but more of a hindrance to everyone in his workplace than a help.
The story takes us through a few months of his life, as he tries to fit in with a local gang, meets and feels an attraction for a new co-worker with her own health issues, and tries to be a superhero (possibly even gaining superpowers!) helping others. All the while, his sister is yearning for her freedom and a new love that Adam is doing his best not to notice and then not to accept.
The reader is aware of the wider world Adam lives in, what is going on around him that he either isn't capable of seeing or chooses not to. It makes for a fascinating narration, and Adam can be both frustrating and endearing.
Jude, the socialist student sister, is a strong feminine influence in his life, with her own backstory that Adam seems oblivious to, and I really enjoyed Adam's burgeoning romance with a fellow Queen fan.
It would work well on film/television, with some wonderful parts and lines.
Humorous and at times moving, this is a memorable read about an unusual young man that ends nicely for him and those around him, with just enough hint at what is to come for a feel-good close.
One that older teens might like (if they have the patience to wade through the writing style) and adults who enjoy stories with unique narrators.
thebobsphere's review against another edition
3.5
The Incredible Adam Spark is a coming of age novel but with some twists.
First of all it is told in a stream of conscious style and in Scottish dialect. Bissett's use of dialect is not too heavy going and after a while you do get what is happening.
Secondly Adam is special and we get to see the novel through his point of view, which makes him a very unreliable narrator as he has trouble understanding people's motives.
Other than that the novel is about coping with loss and changes. As this is told by Adam it has got some funny moments and tender ones.
There's quite a bit of charm in the novel but sometimes the writing style can distract and in a way the plot itself has been done before. I didn't mind the book, I did feel unsatisfied when I finished it.
First of all it is told in a stream of conscious style and in Scottish dialect. Bissett's use of dialect is not too heavy going and after a while you do get what is happening.
Secondly Adam is special and we get to see the novel through his point of view, which makes him a very unreliable narrator as he has trouble understanding people's motives.
Other than that the novel is about coping with loss and changes. As this is told by Adam it has got some funny moments and tender ones.
There's quite a bit of charm in the novel but sometimes the writing style can distract and in a way the plot itself has been done before. I didn't mind the book, I did feel unsatisfied when I finished it.
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