“’The Last Spark’ unfolds like a beautifully choreographed play. On a summer’s night, a small cast of characters provides an explosive counterpoint to the fireworks they’ve gathered to see. The story’s power derives from tightly controlled language; masterful, subtle dialogue; fine comic timing; mounting tension that spills into violence; delicacy of detail and perception. Throughout, the author moves effortlessly into the minds of each character in turn, then out again into the larger world. An exceptional story.”

—    2004 Journey Prize Jury (Elizabeth Hay, Lisa Moore, and Michael Redhill)