What We French Think of You British - and Where You Are Going Wrong

by Marcel Lucont

Marcel Lucont, France's premier misanthropist and lover, introduces the reader to the British character as seen through the eyes of the French. From food and weather to television and pets, he shares his disdainful opinion on all things British and offers advice on just why the French do it so much better. The book "Dans La Rue", an eye-spy parody set on the British high street; "Tits of the Brits", a poem concerning the large British bust vs the petite French cup; "Stolen French", a guide to words the British have stolen from the French; "The British Joke", Marcel's take on British humour; and, "The Monarchy", including why the French got rid of theirs.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, France

144 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2011

Reviews

[Mark Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the funniest things I've ever read. I laughed all the way through; not just giggles either, but very-nearly-wetting-the-pants laughter. Marcel Lucont's humorous observations are delivered with typical French panache. What makes them especially funny is that they're true. Lucont points an accusatory finger at preposterous British pastimes and shines a light on inexplicable idiosyncrasies of British 'culture', never missing a chance to point out how the French way makes much more sense.

Incisive, observational, fearless, effortless and - above all - very, very funny.

[Diana]

Meh.

[Tim Roast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcel Lucont is a stand-up comedian, a character created by Alexis Dubus. You can see some of his stuff on YouTube and it gives you an idea of what to expect inside this book. (In fact I noticed a lot of his stand-up routines made their way into the book.)

In the book Marcel looks at the British from the viewpoint of the Frenchman that he is and he sees us and recognises that a lot of what we do is... well, ridiculous. This book allows him to point out to us just how ridiculous we are before he tells us how he would do it, as a Frenchman. And he does it with great humour because a lot of the things he mentions do ring true.

Although the book does poke fun at the British, and I am British, I didn't find it offensive. It's done in a light-hearted fashion. But then again I am not a member of the Royal Family...

The book is organised into themed sections, for example Britain by country and a words section. All through the book the points are bite-size so the book lends itself to being ideal to be picked up and put down again. Also it isn't too long in total either.

C'est tres bon.

[Brian Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very funny book. I enjoyed it immensely. We Scots rather enjoy jokes at the expense of the English. His book title is British but when you read it you realise he is speaking about the English. I loved his comment on English burlesque 'It is now just vulgar stripping. Just because you have something sparkly hanging from your tits it does not make it art'!
Brian

[Alex Puiu · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main issue with Lucont's book is that it lacks depth. But it is funny-ish nonetheless. Can't say I laughed all the way through but it made me giggle every now and then. The slightly observational, fearless and incisive nature of the book is accompanied by the typical French panache.