Talk to the Snail
by Stephen Clarke
published
July 31st 2007
by Black Swan
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binding
Paperback, 272 pages
isbn
0552773689
(isbn13: 9780552773683)
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 181)
Read in April, 2007
As much as I love "A Year in the Merde" and its sequel, this book blows them both away. I loved this book. I REALLY, REALLY loved this book. Everything is true, and it's hysterically funny, and it's just fantastic. And there IS some practical advice, as well. I need to own it.
These days, the most important ingredient in French culture is the navel... There is even a word for this in French -- nombrilisme. 'Navelism' is so entrenched that it is an 'ism.'
And their excuse is: OK, it may be m...more
These days, the most important ingredient in French culture is the navel... There is even a word for this in French -- nombrilisme. 'Navelism' is so entrenched that it is an 'ism.'
And their excuse is: OK, it may be m...more
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Read in June, 2007
When I read "trash," it is stuff like this (see also my entry for Bergdorf Blondes) where I am in a mood to casually peruse the lifestyles of people who in real life I probably could not stand at all. Stephen Clarke has insanely aggressive and pointy muttonchops which are clearly connected to the point he makes about how being an expatriate Briton in Paris makes you feel emasculated. Anyhow, what I learned from this book is some French slang which I have already forgotten. ...more
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Read in December, 2007
recommends it for:
Anyone
I bought this book because:
1) I have French friends and have no idea what the hell they're thinking
2)I have an infatuation with French men and have no idea what the hell they're thinking
3)I am slowly being seduced by all things French and have no idea what the hell I'm thinking
The French mentality is so fascinating to me because I don't understand it beyond what seems like a mix of class, snobbery, and something alluring.
This book is a funny, quick read, but the author forgets o...more
1) I have French friends and have no idea what the hell they're thinking
2)I have an infatuation with French men and have no idea what the hell they're thinking
3)I am slowly being seduced by all things French and have no idea what the hell I'm thinking
The French mentality is so fascinating to me because I don't understand it beyond what seems like a mix of class, snobbery, and something alluring.
This book is a funny, quick read, but the author forgets o...more
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I'm really happy that I didn't read this book until having lived for close to a year in France. I wouldn't have appreciated it near as much!! This book is honest, clever, and incredibly funny - especially to those who have had to experience everything from the relationships to the snooty waiters to the constant strikes. My only critique would be (and i guess it's not really that much of a critique) is that the book covers more the northern France (e.g., Parisian) culture, so sometimes his refe...more
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Read in June, 2007
I wasn't a big fan of A Year in the Merde, a fictionalized account by Stephen Clarke of a Brit living in France for a year. This book is much more enjoyable as it is filled with funny vignettes about French life and culture that are quite true and memorable. If you've ever been to a French post office, or not been served in a restaurant, you'll find this amusing. Even more funny is that all the French folks here really think it's funny too and it's been translated and distributed widely. I enjoy...more
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Read in August, 2008
If you're going to be spending any kind of time in France, you need to read this book. If you've spent any kind of time in France, you'll no doubt recognise things you encountered, or find explanations for things you didn't understand. Undoubtedly not every French person will fit the descriptions or patterns in the book, but you know a lot will, and it's still just plain funny.
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Read in December, 2007
Funny book. Each chapter ends with a handy glossary of French phrases, but the handiest glossary is the author's "magic words" for getting served in France, on pages 196-200, which includes the proper terms for ordering beer, which I've never seen in a guide book. Those pages are worth photocopying and taking along on your next trip to France.
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Read in July, 2007
It's got all the humor of Clarke's first novel "A Year in the Merde", but it's more of a nonfiction how-to, unencumbered by the forced storyline about Paul West's dating inadequacies.
Better than "In the Merde For Love", but not a book I would necessarily buy... I speed-read it at Powell's on a rainy afternoon and out it back on the shelf.
Better than "In the Merde For Love", but not a book I would necessarily buy... I speed-read it at Powell's on a rainy afternoon and out it back on the shelf.
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Read in August, 2007
Want to fear and get annoyed by the french like never before? Well, read this and get a taste how life really is like in french. That is, if you're looking from an anglo-saxon perspective. Either way, this book kind wind you up too, densly satirical and partly hysterically funny. Read it with a breaze and you'll enjoy the book.
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Read in September, 2007
recommends it for:
People who are interested in France, or just like to take the piss out of France
I read this book when I moved to France (I'm Swedish by the way). This is a very funny book that takes the piss out of the french in a funny and warm-hearted way. Just remember that it is satire! After half a year in France I re-read some chapters and found that I recognised a lot :-)
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I confess my bizarre hobby of reading books about France came from Peter Mayle. I just think the cultural differences are fascinating especially because of the antipathy between our two countries. You will see a lot of books of this theme on my reading list.
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Absolutely laugh out loud funny--and super super important to read if you are traveling to France! An essential on your "must read" list if you love French culture, or are intrigued by it. I'll be using this in my classroom a lot this year!
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Read in May, 2007
This is a hilarious look at the 10 basic commandments one must employ when talking to or dealing with the French in general. Anyone of Anglo-Saxon heritage will enjoy this snarky look at our frenemies across the Channel/Atlantic. ;-)
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Read in August, 2008
This book was hilarious! It really struck home because I have spent some time in France.
Clarke provides some real truths about how to deal with the French in all situations written well with his humorous style.
Clarke provides some real truths about how to deal with the French in all situations written well with his humorous style.
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Read in September, 2008
recommended to Mike by:
Kristin
A fun look at French culture and language. I especially liked the glossary at he end of each chapter. The book made me aware of some things that I'll definitely keep in mind for my next trip!
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Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
People intending to visit France
I appreciated the author's humor in A Year In The Merde, but couldn't find any of it between these two covers. While insightful and full of French truth, I was expecting a bit more laughter.
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Read in July, 2007
funny.
i literally laughed out loud on the plane.
tried desperately to stiffle the giggling however was given away by the extensive shoulder shaking from laughing to myself.
i literally laughed out loud on the plane.
tried desperately to stiffle the giggling however was given away by the extensive shoulder shaking from laughing to myself.
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Read in May, 2007
recommends it for:
francophiles
Much better--because much more focused--than "A Year in the Merde." Several chapters are "must reads" because they encapsulate aspects of French culture so well.
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An amusing look at the weird and wonderful French lifestyle. A book that was even read by the French - I heard they really liked it? Wonder if that's true.
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Read in July, 2008
recommends it for:
anyone planning on going to france
hahah
i read whilst in france and now im noticing all the things that the book points out about the french
is hilarrriouss!!
i read whilst in france and now im noticing all the things that the book points out about the french
is hilarrriouss!!
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