In The Merde
October 11th 2006 04:45
Image: www.fantasticfiction.co.uk
Anyway, I’ve moved on from the classics and into some more contemporary titles. I loved Almost French by Sarah Turnbull. Her struggle to become not only French, but Parisian is an amusing story that entertains and informs on the many variables required of an outsider conforming in Paris. Even if you’re not going to Paris, it’s a good read.
Next I thought of reading Mary Moody but I’m sorry, I just can’t bring myself to do it. So that brought me to Stephen Clarke and his Merde books. These were a great find. They are titled A Year In The Merde and Merde Actually which cover roughly a two year period in which main character, Paul West attempts to work and love in France. Being a Brit in France is no picnic and both these books deal with all the well-known pitfalls of dealing with the French. Red-taped, duplicate copied public service departments, language barriers, waist-coated waiters and cleaner strikes. But Paul also has to contend with the lesser known obstacles, such as sexy women with stinky cheese breath. And that is only in Paris! Paul eventually finds himself in the French country side wading knee deep in courgettes.
These books manage to impart knowledge about the French that you simply must be aware of before touching their shores. And strangely enough, they don’t put you off going to France. In fact, I’m looking forward to matching wits with the French. I don’t expect to win, but knowing what I know now, the contest is going to be a lot of fun.
| 30 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
Subscribe to this blog
