- Hardcover: 369 pages
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (13 May 2008)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1596915277
- ISBN-13: 978-1596915275
- Product Dimensions: 21.8 x 14.6 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,363,779 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Merde Happens
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Paul West is in deep financial merde. His only way out of debt is to accept a decidedly dodgy job that involves him crossing the USA in a Mini, while pretending to be typically British. Adding to the crush in the car is Paul’s French girlfriend, Alexa, and his American poet friend Jake whose main aim in life is to sleep with a woman from every country in the world. Preferably in the back of Paul’s Mini. But as the little car battles from New York to Miami, and then heads west, legroom turns out to be the least of Paul’s troubles. His work is being sabotaged, his tour plans are in tatters, and his love life becomes a Franco-American war zone. And as Paul knows better than anyone, when you mix love and war – merde happens
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Stephen Clarke lives in France. He has experimented with Gauloises, petanque and suppositories, but only as research for his writing. His first novel, A Year in the Merde, which introduced Paul West was first self-published in Paris where it became a word-of-mouth bestseller , and has now been translated into sixteen languages including French.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The author of best-selling novels "Merde Actually" and "A year in the Merde", published a new novel "Merde Happens". The novel shifts from the traditional setting of Paris to selected locations of the US for a promotional campaign, including New York, historical Boston, beach culture Miami, swamps of the deep south, casino city Las Vegas and movie world Los Angeles. The cast includes funny Englishman Paul, French madamoiselle Alexa and poet Jake. The mission is to promote Royal Britainnic to the Yanks, by driving a mini coated in the distinctive colours of the British flag. Is the mission a looming discaster, bearing in mind of Paul ignorance and naive handling of a tea room shop in Paris? All will be revealed in the novel.
Stephen Clarke is an experienced stand up comedian which is clearly evident whilst reading the novel. Interesting and funny facts about typical American's culture is beatifully and clearly pointed out and narratted in a richly entertaining novel. For example the historical insults inflicted on the idea of an English tea room in Boston, the yanks loving of maple syrup pancake, Shakesphere presence and French influence in America.
I really enjoyed reading "Merde Happens" as it filled with endless humour and colorful range of characters that you would expect to find in the States or maybe it is stereotype views. The novel is well balanced. It consist of a fine blend of facts and humour. The novel is a real pleasure to read.
Out of all previous novels by the author, Merde Happens stands out the most. The plot to the story is well defined and clearly coherent, with sub headings for chapters. The characters are strongly represented in the novel. Overall, a great entertaining and light piece of reading.
Stephen Clarke is an experienced stand up comedian which is clearly evident whilst reading the novel. Interesting and funny facts about typical American's culture is beatifully and clearly pointed out and narratted in a richly entertaining novel. For example the historical insults inflicted on the idea of an English tea room in Boston, the yanks loving of maple syrup pancake, Shakesphere presence and French influence in America.
I really enjoyed reading "Merde Happens" as it filled with endless humour and colorful range of characters that you would expect to find in the States or maybe it is stereotype views. The novel is well balanced. It consist of a fine blend of facts and humour. The novel is a real pleasure to read.
Out of all previous novels by the author, Merde Happens stands out the most. The plot to the story is well defined and clearly coherent, with sub headings for chapters. The characters are strongly represented in the novel. Overall, a great entertaining and light piece of reading.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The third in the sequence of adventures of Paul West - English expatriate sent to France on business and his misadventures and comic anecdotes. The first, and to a lesser extent the second, in the series I cannot recommend enough. These are very funny, satirical accounts, akin with Bryson et al, but even more tongue in cheek. Even better if you have spent time in French or are familiar with the French language.
This tirrd installment sees Paul West travel to the US on business with his socialist french girlfriend in tow: hilarity ensues - just not as much as in the last two episodes. Clarke's tone is addictive and his works read very easily. Recommended page turning holiday lit, but not for the new comer. Start with A Year In The Merde.
This tirrd installment sees Paul West travel to the US on business with his socialist french girlfriend in tow: hilarity ensues - just not as much as in the last two episodes. Clarke's tone is addictive and his works read very easily. Recommended page turning holiday lit, but not for the new comer. Start with A Year In The Merde.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
My entire family has been following the adventures of Paul West. As much as we enjoyed the others, this is the best one yet. Very funny with lots of interesting information about the Americans added to the usual great look at the French.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent
My husband is reading these books and being French, can see the other side to them too. I keep saying I am going to read them as well, although he is taking his time somewhat to... Read more
Published 4 months ago by kath05
Diminishing returns
The first one in the series was truly hilarious, especially for those like me who actually knows something about life in Paris if you're not French. Read more
Published 5 months ago by BanksieFan
Ticklish!!!
Had me in stitches, had the lady sitting next to me on the bus in stitches. Stephen Clarke is one very witty and talented writer.
Published 21 months ago by Connie Nishikawa
Witty as always.
Clarke shines through his writing once again with Merde Happens. A witty continuation of the story full of twists and turns that will have you in tears - of laughter of course. :D
Published 21 months ago by PixiePops
How many people can you fit into a Mini?
Once again hilarious and unbelievable adventures of Paul West and friends, this time in USA. I personally was not as keen on this one as the others in the series, as although I... Read more
Published on 13 Jan 2010 by E. Bastian
Merde happens
Stephen Clarke, writes as he is Paul West, Funny from page 1 to the last page... But "talk to the snail" aint all that... Read more
Published on 28 Nov 2009 by Mr. Edmund M. Ryan
Losing / lost his shine
While the first two books were enjoyable enough, I feel that the author is losing his shine. Dull and too focused on the hero's knees. Nothing like Bryson.
Published on 26 Nov 2009 by S. Zacharias
Hmmm...
You know that feeling you get when you listen to a third album by a great band and you think there's something not quite right with their latest effort? Same with the book. Read more
Published on 29 July 2009 by Mr. N
A fizzy summer book
No poshy litterature but simple, funny reading for the summer holidays. I really enjoyed the light tone and I agree on far most of the typical french habits and remarks that are... Read more
Published on 3 July 2009 by Marijke
Good in parts but not his best Merde novel to date.
So, Paul West is having some more adventures. This time he is not based in France (or Paris to be precise) but travelling across America "selling" British Tourism to the Americans... Read more
Published on 10 April 2009 by uncle barbar
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