Talk to the Snail: Ten Commandments for Understanding the French
by Stephen Clarke
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 117)
bookshelves:
fun-slash-junk,
international,
non-fiction
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...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...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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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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bookshelves:
france
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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bookshelves:
facts,
fiction
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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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, 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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bookshelves:
cultural_difference,
humor
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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bookshelves:
2007
The French as seen by an understanding Englishman, with a few original observations. Interesting enough to make it a pleasant read.
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Read in October, 2007
explained some of my own French thought processes...funny and should be read to understand how to deal with the French!
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it's funny book, though not so good as his previous books
it's just like the summary of all his books :p
it's just like the summary of all his books :p
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Read in July, 2007
Better than I expected - interesting and thoughtful observations - but not as good as his other books.
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Read in January, 2008
Loved this . . . gave a fun glimpse of french culture that explains why they have the snob stereotype
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Read in July, 2007
Hillarious, but strong interest for or ties with the country is a prerequisite.
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Read in October, 2007
an easy read so far, about half way through, a tad patronising at times??
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