Jennifer A. (curvymommy) -
Helpful Score: 3
As an Anglophile, I was really looking forward to reading this. It did not disappoint. Written in a friendly, engaging style, it was easy to read and not at all dry. Great insights into British culture - and I have to admit that, while I still absolutely cannot wait to visit England, I no longer think I'd want to live there. :)
Colleen G. (booksnyc) reviewed The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I definitely consider myself an Anglophile - I have long been fascinated by all things British. My Dad is from Scotland and I grew up hearing many quaint British sayings and use of words- such as referring to the hood of the car as the "bonnet" - from both my Dad and Grandmother. In addition, I have Aunts, Uncles and cousins from my Mom's side (originally from Ireland) living in England so we visited often and I was given even more opportunities to soak up all things British. For that reason, I was drawn to this book . . . . My review is below:
I have mixed feelings about this book - at times, very funny in its observations of the British and their culture but at other times, the author just sounded like an obnoxious American perpetually complaining about how inferior Britain is to the US. She, rarely, if at all, pointed out anything positive about the British - this seems very one-sided! It is is more unsettling when you consider that she is married to a Brit with whom she has two children that she is raising in the UK.
Despite this, I found the book entertaining (but less so than something by Bill Bryson) and think that people that have lived in both the US and the UK will find it interesting.
I have mixed feelings about this book - at times, very funny in its observations of the British and their culture but at other times, the author just sounded like an obnoxious American perpetually complaining about how inferior Britain is to the US. She, rarely, if at all, pointed out anything positive about the British - this seems very one-sided! It is is more unsettling when you consider that she is married to a Brit with whom she has two children that she is raising in the UK.
Despite this, I found the book entertaining (but less so than something by Bill Bryson) and think that people that have lived in both the US and the UK will find it interesting.
