Flake
A humorous tale of ice cream rivalry and community spirit
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Vintage Publishing
Published:2nd Apr '20
Should be back in stock very soon
In a charming seaside town, a rivalry over ice cream leads to unexpected challenges and triumphs in Flake, Matthew Dooley's debut graphic novel.
In Flake, a captivating debut graphic novel by Matthew Dooley, readers are transported to the charming seaside town of Dobbiston. Here, Howard, an ice cream vendor, follows in his father's footsteps, serving delightful treats from his van. However, business takes a downturn, leading Howard to uncover the reason behind the decline: his half-brother, Tony Augustus, whose ice cream empire is rapidly expanding throughout the North-West. This rivalry sets the stage for a humorous and heartwarming tale of competition and resilience.
As Howard grapples with the challenges posed by Tony's growing dominance, he enlists the help of the Dobbiston Mountain Rescue team. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of the ice cream wars, showcasing the lengths one will go to protect their livelihood and community. The narrative is infused with wit and charm, reminiscent of the storytelling style of Alan Bennett, making it not just a story about ice cream but a deeper exploration of family dynamics and local pride.
Flake is more than just a graphic novel; it is a delightful journey filled with colorful illustrations and engaging characters. The story unfolds with a perfect blend of humor and heart, ensuring that readers are both entertained and invested in Howard's quest for triumph. As the battle for ice cream supremacy heats up, the themes of perseverance and community spirit shine through, making this a memorable read for all ages.
If Alan Bennett made graphic novels, they might look like this... But Dooley deserves to be recognised for his own talents and they are all on display in this fine, funny graphic novel that is full of sly humour and facial hair, set against a world of pub quizzes, crazy golf and crosswords. His flat drawing style has a deadpan comedy all its own, but it's the world he conjures up that stays with you. Lovely. -- Teddy Jamieson * Herald Scotland *50 best books to give at Christmas* *
Full of irresistible puns… A meld of Alan Bennett and the American comic-book artist Chris Ware…and also Tom Gauld. -- Tim Lewis * Observer *
The first graphic novel to win the Wodehouse prize for comic literature. It's a cheerfully nostalgic trip into a north-western English town of pub quizzes, crazy golf and crosswords, and a testament to the powers of salt water and friendship in a crisis. Dooley's merrily inventive ice lollies are worth a book of their own. -- James Smart * Guardian *Books of the Year* *
Dooley is deft at employing a Chris Ware-like sense of ennui… Flake is principally comedic, comedic in the way that Magnus Mills is comedic or Wallace and Gromit… We will watch to see what he does next with baited breath. * Bookmunch *
[Matthew Dooley] handles this gloomy trifecta of middle age, limited financial prospects and an English costal resort in the melancholy style familiar to fans of Chris Ware, but unlike that great prophet of emptiness, restores a sunburst of optimism to this dismal corner of the nation by book's end. * Strong Words *
Flake is a creation that will convince many remaining sceptics about how much you can do with the help of pictures. -- James Naughtie * Bookseller *
A cheerfully nostalgic trip into a north-western English town...and a testament to the powers of salt water and friendship in a crisis. -- James Smart * Guardian, *Books of the Year* *
Flake is immediately and extremely funny, full of dry witticisms and pleasing digressions right from the start... exquisitely drawn in a flat, sharp style... [Flake] rarely fails to raise a smile... This is well worth your time and money - I enjoyed it immensely. -- Pete Redrup * Quietus *
ISBN: 9781787330580
Dimensions: 248mm x 176mm x 23mm
Weight: 719g
176 pages