50 Reasons to Hate the French: Vive La Difference?

by Jules Eden, Alex Clarke

Sitting in the middle of a triangle of serious comment, wry cultural miscellanea and cheery abuse, this volume provides 50 painstakingly researched, witty reasons to hate the French. From an examination - at arms length - of their personal hygiene and most pungent cheeses, to close up portraits like De Gaulle and Napoleon.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor

320 pages, Hardcover

First published August 3, 2006

Reviews

[Bruce Reiter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some excellent historical information. Mean Spirited.

[Juliane · Rating 1 out of 5]

This must be the first and only book I haven't managed to finish, it was so bad. I was expecting some humour and the occasional jab but what was presented in this book was just ridiculous. Apart from the many mistakes (no editing done?) it was just not an enjoyable read. But what really convinced me to stop reading was first the claim that WWII was France's fault and then the insinuation that Louis XIII turned into a flamboyant gay because his mother gave him medicine in the form of suppositories. That's not humour, that's just bad writing.

[Cade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the read. It's not flattering to the French, but is mostly meant in jest. The book is full of French history as well as modern politics. It gives you a look behind the curtain and that reveals some warts.

As a note, this book has not been transferred into digital media very well. I would not get a kindle version of it. You can get a free pdf version of the book at 50reasonstohatethefrench.co.uk
but that will not read well on a kindle either, so you need to read it on a different device. But it's free.

[Samuel Burkholder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fr*nce🤮

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12419588

I received the e-book edition through the Early Reviewer giveaway at LibraryThing some 11 months ago, but only got around to reading it while in hospital last month, so this review is somewhat late.

An interesting and humourous read, although it could have done with some better editorial input/proofreading in places.

I notice that some other reviewers have been fairly scathing, especially those that insinuate it's some plot against the French people, but if you take any country in the world you could come up with a similar list of reasons to "hate" them. It's just that in this case these (sometimes stereotyped) reasons are ones that seem to hit home easily when thinking of France. I don't think they are presented in any sort of a hurtful manner, but rather with the rather tongue in cheek easy teasing of one friend to another.

I will admit that some of them (Serge Gainsbourg or Reason Trois for instance) I have never heard of before, but the way that Jules Eden and Alex Clarke write made each of the Cinquante chapters fascinating, and I even laughed out loud a couple of times.

I wouldn't want to be either of the authors presenting themselves at customs to gain entry to France for further research though.

[Trey Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

As an American, I may not be the target audience for this book. The long-standing rivalry between the French and English seems to serve as a necessary backdrop for this book.

Mostly the book is a catalog of facts about France and the French, presented in an unflattering light. It isn't particularly witty or clever in the process, the way Mark Twain or Dave Barry can be quite clever while being quite insulting. Because I do not have the average Englishman's dislike for the French, the result just isn't amusing at all.

If you already hate the French, and are looking for a reason laugh at them some more, this book may be good for you. If, like me, you are looking for something funny to read that happens to make fun of the French along the way, this isn't what you seek.

Note: I received a copy of this book through a giveaway at LibraryThing.

[Tabby Shiflett · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, let me say, read this book with a grain of salt; if you are offended easily, you may as well stay away from it altogether. That being said, it is humorous and even informative in some sections. Second, some of the "reasons" listed in the work may resonate more with a British audience. Also, although most of the events or people discussed are familiar, there may be one or two you will have to google (especially if you are from a younger generation).
Overall, if you have thick skin, and can overlook the handful of typos, it's definitely amusing. And unless you're a huge fan of certain French politicians, you will be safely entertained.

LT Early Reviewers

[Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program in exchange for a review. I have not been able to finish the book, getting half way through and giving it a final rest. I am likely will not pick it up again...Although it might hold entertainment value for European readers, this is not the type of book that I would gravitate towards. I was hoping that it might contain some funny parts to which I could relate, but alas, most of the "well-researched" information was of no particular interest to me. It could benefit any reader who wishes to learn more about the French culture and it's history.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this thinking it would be a light, no brainer holiday read, and was pleasantly surprised. I found the layout of the book with it short chapters on individual events made for an easy read but the subjects covered were very varied and interesting. Not having done French history (I don't suppose many brits do) I found some of the topics covered fascinating and it was good to have the background to some of the events explained. The smaller 'epilogue' type pieces at the end of the chapters were very good as well.

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book because I do hate the French. it was entertaining (satirical) and had interesting and informative historical observations, but had weird cooped format that made it difficult to really enjoy.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't give it five stars because well... it's still a book about the French. I learned a lot about French politics and history while laughing my head off.