- Paperback: 64 pages
- Publisher: Oval Books (3 Jan 1998)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1853047414
- ISBN-13: 978-1853047411
- Product Dimensions: 17.3 x 10.7 x 0.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,401,707 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Xenophobe's Guide to the Swedes
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Product Description
Synopsis
This is one of a series of guides designed to tell the truth about other nations, using sweeping generalizations and observations as a base, detailing what to expect and how to cope with it. The guides try to explain why things are done the way they are and they try to allay the feelings of trepidation with which the xenophobe approaches new territory. This particular book looks at the Swedes.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I picked up this book because I will be going to Sweden this summer and wanted to learn more about the Swedes' foibles and traits. Apart from knowing some Swedes on a business level, I read several books dealing with Swedish history, mentality, and culture. This one adds to putting more pieces together and confirms the information gathered from the other books and my own experiences so far. It is ever so enjoyable to read since it is packed with humour and irony (in fact, the sense of humour appeared to be so British, I first thought Mr Berlin is a Brit). I couldn't put it aside although I had to at times simply because it had me in stitches. But rest assured, this book won't put you off Sweden or the Swedes. The underlying fondness the author has for his native country is still discernible. Can't wait to get my hands on the Xenophobe's guide to the Germans...
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I think that the authors' fears concerning xenophobia are exaggerated. As far as offensiveness is concerned, this book has no chance against the Swede jokes frequently published in Norwegian newspapers.
That said, the book - obviously - tells various things about Swedes that the authors find funny. For instance, the Swedes appear to absolutely insist on splitting bills equally. In one story, a Swedish guy let himself to be persuaded to follow the British custom of one guy buying drinks for both, then the other guy buying drinks for both, and so on, but eventually the other guy was dumbfound to learn that the Swede had kept exact track of who owed how much to whom.
This book is somewhat entertaining and somewhat educating. The stress is on "somewhat". It's neither very funny nor very informative. So you can read it if you have nothing better to do with your time, but you won't miss anything if you don't.
That said, the book - obviously - tells various things about Swedes that the authors find funny. For instance, the Swedes appear to absolutely insist on splitting bills equally. In one story, a Swedish guy let himself to be persuaded to follow the British custom of one guy buying drinks for both, then the other guy buying drinks for both, and so on, but eventually the other guy was dumbfound to learn that the Swede had kept exact track of who owed how much to whom.
This book is somewhat entertaining and somewhat educating. The stress is on "somewhat". It's neither very funny nor very informative. So you can read it if you have nothing better to do with your time, but you won't miss anything if you don't.
25 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Berlin, of Swedish birth, left his folkhem and has resided in numerous "chaotic" countries (read: anywhere outside of Sweden's harmonious, beautiful borders)
This affords him the ability to look at his country of birth in a manner which only foreigners who live here can appreciate. His hilarious comments, observations and explanations will certainly leave Swedes baffled and, without doubt, full of justifications, statistics and government financed studies in their attempts to prove him wrong about the anal nature of so much here.
Share this one with your other expat/foreign resident friends, but be sure to keep it well away from Swedes. Liberalism don't extend that far! You should note however, that traces of Berlin's Nationality still prevail, as he is indeed fair about so much that is typically good of this marvellous country.
Suggested too: P.J. O'Rourke's 'Eat The Rich'
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Might even raise a titter from a Swede!
I'm starting to learn Swedish so I thought I'd take a look at the culture and the people as I study the language. Read more
Published 9 months ago by John
Very Good Book
Although this book is a little dated, it is still very funny. A must for anyone visiting Sweden.
Published on 10 Jan 2010 by E. Dada
No need to be a xenophobe
I always wonder if people get put off by the 'xenophobe' in the titles in this series, because they all seem to be affectionate, if critical, portrayals of the nations concerned. Read more
Published on 1 Feb 2009 by R. A. Williams
Wow Swedes are like the Brits
I bought the book for working out in Sweden as part of my University course this year. When asked by my wonderful Swedish hosts how I found Swedes and Sweden I couldn't help... Read more
Published on 26 Aug 2004 by J. Maher
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