One of the UK’s brightest and best comedians takes an incisive look at race and belonging.
“But where are you really from?”
Phil Wang has been asked this question so many times he’s lost count. So, finally, he decided to write a book about it. About how to be from two places at once.
Phil was born in the UK, in Stoke-on-Trent to an English mother and a Chinese-Malaysian father. Three weeks after his birth, the Wang family returned to his fathers’ hometown in Malaysia, and at age 16, Phil was uprooted once again, to return with his family to the UK.
In Sidesplitter, Phil reflects on race, belonging and cultural cachet, bringing his trademark cynicism and wit to topics that range from food and comedy to empire and colonialism.
(P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
“But where are you really from?”
Phil Wang has been asked this question so many times he’s lost count. So, finally, he decided to write a book about it. About how to be from two places at once.
Phil was born in the UK, in Stoke-on-Trent to an English mother and a Chinese-Malaysian father. Three weeks after his birth, the Wang family returned to his fathers’ hometown in Malaysia, and at age 16, Phil was uprooted once again, to return with his family to the UK.
In Sidesplitter, Phil reflects on race, belonging and cultural cachet, bringing his trademark cynicism and wit to topics that range from food and comedy to empire and colonialism.
(P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
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Reviews
A beautiful book about home, history and family. Told with Phil's trademark sharp wit and deadpan humour it captures the nuances of his experiences perfectly.
Phil Wang is as original a writer as he is a comedian - Sidesplitter is predictably hilarious, but also quietly moving
Phil Wang is one of my all time favorite comedians, a true original. His comedy and words here are a hilarious breath of fresh air we all need
Phil Wang runs headlong towards difficult subjects, firing off jokes as he goes. This brutally funny book will appeal to anyone who's ever felt like an outsider.
A razor-sharp dissection of cultural connections, divides and differences. And yes, it's side-splitting funny
People often ask Phil Wang 'But where are you really from?' I can confirm, after reading Sidesplitter, that the answer is 'Funnyland'.
Sidesplitter is elegantly written and unexpectedly moving
Funny and disarmingly moving... Britain's most original and promising young comedian
A funny and moving look at what it means to be of dual heritage
Eloquently laced with laughs and bittersweet observations.
Phil Wang makes me laugh out loud with every single thing he does and this book is no exception
A terrific writer. I've laughed out loud at least once on every page
A book packed with witty, profound and candid reflections on race and belonging