- Hardcover: 336 pages
- Publisher: Bantam Press (17 Aug 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0593054539
- ISBN-13: 978-0593054536
- Product Dimensions: 21.2 x 13.4 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (112 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 243,815 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
A Year In The Merde
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"'Has done more for the Entente Cordiale than any of our politicians' Daily Mail" --Daily Mail
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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'Has done more for the Entente Cordiale than any of our politicians'
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Well, it's very funny. And I didn't want to find it funny. Reason: I've lived in France, and expected this to be the usual lame collection of stereotypes and dull anecdotes masquerading as original lampoon/satire. There are a few clichés, but Clarke is a talented writer and he disguises them well. Plus there's enough authentic observation of national characteristics to keep the thing moving along nicely, and to provoke some nice belly laughs. Moreover, there's a jolly storyline that keeps you gagging for more.
Clarke's no Bryson, but that's OK. This is a good read and a lot of fun. If you know a bit about France - and especially if you've worked there - you'll guffaw lavishly.
PS If you've ever wondered why France has one of Europe's highest rates of unemployment and a sloth-like economy, this book explains everything. And on this score, it's totally accurate.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I've read many reviews here that say the book is unfunny. That it is sexist, and that it is boring. Well, if you've lived in France for more than a couple of months, you will find pretty much everything the man has to say about the french not only hilarious, but completely true. Office life is boring, personal relationships frustrating and dog excrement real (although this is being tackled by the Mairie nowadays).
So if you haven't been to Paris to live and not to travel (most of the subtleties don't show until you actually have to rent an flat, have a boss and work colleagues, get ill and have to go to a pharmacy, or endure a strike, which usually takes more than a couple of days) you will most definitely not fully understand the frustration encapsulated in the book, like a Californian watching a Dylan Moran rant about London youths.
If you already are an expat, or plan on becoming one, this book will be one of the most valuable items you'll have in your bag.
So if you haven't been to Paris to live and not to travel (most of the subtleties don't show until you actually have to rent an flat, have a boss and work colleagues, get ill and have to go to a pharmacy, or endure a strike, which usually takes more than a couple of days) you will most definitely not fully understand the frustration encapsulated in the book, like a Californian watching a Dylan Moran rant about London youths.
If you already are an expat, or plan on becoming one, this book will be one of the most valuable items you'll have in your bag.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Part fictional story, part autobiography and part educational this is a look at the French and their ways and culture.
I should stress that this is mainly set in Paris and most of the French would suggest that Parisians are somewhat unique.
Anyway, English guy joins a company in Paris and this is the tale of his adventures while giving us a wry and (I think) affectionate look at the French.
Gentle and humerous reading.
I should stress that this is mainly set in Paris and most of the French would suggest that Parisians are somewhat unique.
Anyway, English guy joins a company in Paris and this is the tale of his adventures while giving us a wry and (I think) affectionate look at the French.
Gentle and humerous reading.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
English humor in France
living for a while in Paris now, I surely recognize a lot of incidents which are very sharp (and British) formulated. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Bart Reker
easy read
This is an easy to read book for those of us who love France and are facinated by its culture
Published 4 months ago by J
A Year in the Merde
This is a very enjoyable and extremely funny account of an English guy's experiences in France. Just 22 miles between France and England but we are so different!
Published 8 months ago by bab52
A great disappointmnet
Having read the other reviews i saw that there were very polarised opinions.
I found it cheap and predictable with no literary merit. Read more
I found it cheap and predictable with no literary merit. Read more
Published 11 months ago by tony
A lot of fun!
When my friend recommended it to me , I was reluctant to read it because I never learned French in my life. So I just bought a sencond-hand to give it a try. Read more
Published 12 months ago by KongFu Panda
Worth a go
This book has been constantly compared with the works of Bill Bryson and Peter Mayle, the latter being the author of "A Year in Provence". Read more
Published 12 months ago by Shouna Falconer
absolutely amusing, funny and well written
If you have a great sense of humor and do not get involved into French - English realationship too much, I absolutely recommend this book!!! Read more
Published 15 months ago by Kakarinka
spot on.
the poor reviews on this book are from people who just "don't get it". The point of this book is to portray a english-french farce but the real humour is buried between the lines... Read more
Published 15 months ago by JrF
Super Read
I found this book really enjoyable to read and very amusing. Nothing too heavy here just a good light hearted read which will put a smile on your face. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Stew
Fantastic book
I really enjoyed this - it was funny, interesting and avoided falling into bland stereotypes. I felt it really brought alive French culture.
Published 20 months ago by Monica
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