Helpful Score: 3
I opened this book expecting it to be...well "merde." But surprisingly this book was hard to put down. Not only was it funny on several different levels (some stupid, some ridiculous, and some political), the plot kept me intrigued and left me wanting to read the sequel.
If you have ever traveled extensively throughout France or had the chance to live there for any amount of time like I have you will be splitting your sides over the humor Stephen Clarke brings to all the situation his main character Paul West finds himself in because it is all true and you will more than likely have experienced it yourself. This should be on the list for all students who are going to live in France. A humorous look on all real-to-life situations abroad. All and all this book was tons of fun!
If you have ever traveled extensively throughout France or had the chance to live there for any amount of time like I have you will be splitting your sides over the humor Stephen Clarke brings to all the situation his main character Paul West finds himself in because it is all true and you will more than likely have experienced it yourself. This should be on the list for all students who are going to live in France. A humorous look on all real-to-life situations abroad. All and all this book was tons of fun!
Helpful Score: 1
This is an uproarious account of a year in the life of an expat in Paris.As he becomes immersed in the contradictions of French culture, he discovers how to get the best out of the grumpiest french waiter, and how NOT to buy a house in the French countryside!
The antidote to Peter Mayle, this is a book for everyone who loves - or loves to hate the French.
The antidote to Peter Mayle, this is a book for everyone who loves - or loves to hate the French.
"Highly entertaining... Clarke renders the flavor of life in Paris impeccably: the endless strikes, the sadistic receptionists,the crooked schemes by which the wealthy and well-connected land low-rent apartments,etc. Clarke's eye for detail is terrific." Washington Post
Funny stuff. Even if you don't have personal experience with the people of France you'll get a chuckle out of the challenges that Paul West encounters when hired to open a chain of British tea rooms in France. I knew I'd found a winner when I was laughing out loud over my breakfast in Perkins!
From the book cover:
Paul West is a 27-year old Brit brought to Paris by a French company to open a chain of British tearooms. He struggles to adapt to French culture,such as the boss's morally challenged daughter, a group of grumbling French employees. He discovers how to get the best out of the grumpiest French waiter and how to survive a French business meeting.
This is an "urban response" to Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence.
Paul West is a 27-year old Brit brought to Paris by a French company to open a chain of British tearooms. He struggles to adapt to French culture,such as the boss's morally challenged daughter, a group of grumbling French employees. He discovers how to get the best out of the grumpiest French waiter and how to survive a French business meeting.
This is an "urban response" to Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence.
Well, I thought I was going to like this book since I was a French major and lived in France a long time ago. But I could not get through it. Maybe since the protagonist is a male in his 20s, I just couldn't relate.
Hilarious.
And absolutely must read for anyone who has spent more than two weeks in France!
I started it, but he was so smarmy I figured he had it coming, and admired the way that the French had in dealing with him.
a fun, absorbing read. can't wait to start the sequel!
