Baigais štrunts is really strange when it comes to describing Paris as a mess - without any special perspective and content, with unfunny jokes, more like travel blogs, and it's the same old, out-of-date stuff. It can be read quite quickly, which is okay if you want to kill some time (although what am I talking about, nowadays everyone kills time with Internet content).

What surprises me the most is that a whole MERDE series has emerged from this book - the author, while laughing and making fun of the French, has found his own niche. There is already something to be surprised about. Just remembering my own stay in Paris, it seems to me that I could tell much more tragicomic things.

This kind of description of Paris seems rather one-sided and inaccurate. Paris is a city full of charm and history, with countless beautiful buildings, artworks, and delicious food. It's not fair to simply label it as a mess. Maybe the author has his own unique perspective, but it doesn't really represent the true essence of Paris.

Overall, Baigais štrunts' portrayal of Paris leaves a lot to be desired. It fails to capture the true beauty and complexity of this wonderful city.

This experience was excruciating and dreadful on multiple fronts, to the extent that I'm truly at a loss as to where to begin.

In general, I have a penchant for "culture-shock" books, especially those that revolve around France or other francophone nations. However, I simply couldn't compel myself to complete this particular one. Reading beyond the initial few pages soon became an almost physically agonizing ordeal, and I ultimately threw in the towel somewhere around the halfway mark. But I did make an effort, as countless individuals asserted that it would be humorous. Well, it most definitely wasn't. Perhaps if the main character hadn't been so haughty, unlikable, and, at times, repulsive, the anecdotes might have been perceived as amusing.

As it stands, I can only state: if you're venturing to another country and obstinately insist on behaving as though everyone should conform to your ways, then you more than merit all the embarrassing and unpleasant incidents that might befall you.

Rereading for book club.

It's every bit as funny as I remember. Although I seem to have forgotten just how vulgar Clarke can be in his subject matter. But no worries, it doesn't detract from the story at all. In fact, it's an essential part of the plot.

A wannabe womanizing Brit comes to Paris for a job that turns out not to be all it's supposed to be.

I'm now on to book two in the Paul West series (I see there are 4 in total) and I'm really looking forward to reading more of Clarke's brilliant skewering of French culture and Parisians in general.

It makes me laugh out loud while I'm reading, and that's always a good thing in a book.

I can't wait to see what else Clarke has in store for us in the remaining books of the series.

His unique writing style and sense of humor keep me engaged and entertained from start to finish.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a lighthearted read.

Misogynistic drivel - couldn’t get past the first few pages.

This book is truly a disappointment. From the very beginning, it is filled with offensive and demeaning remarks about women. The author's attitude towards women is blatantly misogynistic, and it is impossible to ignore.

The language used in the book is crude and disrespectful, making it difficult to read. It seems as if the author has no regard for the feelings and dignity of women.

I tried to push through and see if there was any redeeming value in the book, but I just couldn't. The misogyny was so overwhelming that it made me feel uncomfortable.

In conclusion, I would not recommend this book to anyone. It is a waste of time and a reflection of the author's negative and harmful views towards women.

This book is extremely irritating.

I read it yesterday afternoon when I was on the ferry to Ibiza. Although I did manage to smile a few times, I truly did not appreciate Clarke's writing style.

I can't quite put my finger on what exactly bothered me about this book.

Clarke does make an accurate description of some very French characteristics, such as Kafkaian bureaucracy, strikes, and the addiction to medicine and doctors. However, at the same time, I found the book to be very superficial.

I think Clarke would definitely be better suited as a stand-up comedian rather than as a writer.

Despite what the Times review claims, I much prefer writers like Peter Mayle and Tony Hawks.

I found their books to be not only funny but also well-written. In the end, I found their works to be more enjoyable than this particular book.

Overall, I was quite disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.

When you want to make "difficult" reading a bit easier...

Well, reading this book aside from "A Little Life" wasn't the best idea.

In general, reading this book is not a good idea. It's almost a waste of time.

A book overly saturated with graduated sarcasm.

Read it only if you want to know how to order coffee in Paris without the waiter knowing that you are a tourist.

This book seems to have a rather unique style. The use of sarcasm throughout might be off-putting for some readers. However, it does offer some interesting insights, especially in the context of ordering coffee in a foreign city like Paris. It could potentially be useful for those who are traveling and want to blend in a bit more. But overall, due to its heavy sarcasm, it may not be a book that everyone would enjoy reading.

Perhaps it's best suited for those who have a particular taste for this kind of writing and are looking for something a little different.

The year commences in September when a young Brit embarks on his journey to work for a Parisian firm that is in the process of establishing a chain of English tea rooms. Paul West, who is a thinly veiled substitute for the author, initially comes across as grating: a typical boorish lout who is lecherous on the continent.

However, by the conclusion of the year (in May, of course), he has achieved a certain degree of redemption. He remains boorish, but he has managed to gain a hard-earned start in understanding the ways of the small circle of Parisians he encounters.

If you are able to tolerate Paul, then this offers a light and cartoonish means of familiarizing oneself with modern France. I must admit that I grew to admire the guy. Perhaps not for the most appropriate reasons, though!

This story provides an interesting perspective on the cultural differences and personal growth that can occur when an individual is thrust into a new environment. It shows how even the most unlikable characters can undergo a transformation and develop a better understanding of the world around them.

Overall, it is an engaging read that offers both entertainment and a bit of insight into the nature of human behavior and cultural adaptation.

This book was an absolute riot to read. Some parts of it are literally "laugh out loud" hilarious, while other sections evoke more of a smirk and a giggle.

The hero or anti-hero of the story is Paul West (or Paul Vest as some of the French call him). He is a 27-year-old Brit who was hired by a French food company to establish a series of English tea rooms.

It appears that the French truly do have a penchant for all things British, including the English language, despite their outward complaints. Paul was recruited by the CEO of the French company and promptly encounters the French attitude (or at least the Parisian attitude) everywhere he goes. He is treated as if he is beneath everyone's notice, and speed is never a priority.

Paul experiences all the stereotypes of Parisians, such as not really caring about much, taking two-hour lunches, going on strike for seemingly silly reasons, shrugging their shoulders, and undermining anything that might interfere with their leisure time. Paul is accustomed to getting things done efficiently in both his work and personal life, and this attitude takes some getting used to. Eventually, however, he manages to adapt to the French way of life.

As an example of the absurdity, one evening he meets his boss's family at dinner. The boss's eldest daughter, a business school student, offers to let Paul stay in her apartment since he needs to find one and they are extremely expensive. Paul is initially hesitant but decides to go. The daughter promptly beds him, so to speak. Strangely, the father (the boss) is okay with this. The daughter also has numerous other lovers, and Paul finds himself with a girlfriend. Their relationship is on and off for a while, and he acquires another girlfriend. Meanwhile, he has a falling out with the boss's daughter and discovers that the boss actually owns the apartment, even though these apartments are supposed to be subsidized for students. If you're still following this convoluted plot, give yourself a pat on the back.

Paul's project to create the English tea rooms is progressing at a glacial pace because his French team consists of a bunch of useless slackers whom the boss refuses to fire. French law makes it more costly to fire them than to simply reshuffle them to other projects. Alors!

The Iraq war breaks out, and the tea room project is put on hold. Paul's boss, Jean-Marie, suggests that he take a long holiday. Then he decides to fire him, but Paul has a trump card up his sleeve that he can use for blackmail. Apparently, this is the French way. It turns out that Jean-Marie is engaged in some illegal and sleazy business activities, and Paul has the evidence. Jean-Marie is also running for political office, so he makes a deal with Paul.

Thankfully, all ends well for Paul as his life improves significantly. He has a new and better girlfriend. One of his lovers assists him with financing, and the three of them go into business together, yes, you guessed it, to create a string of English tea rooms. Ah, Paris.

English and French cultures have some interesting contrasts that make for lighthearted and easy reading.

In England, tea is a beloved beverage, often enjoyed with a spot of milk and sugar. In France, however, coffee takes center stage, and is typically sipped black and strong.

Another contrast can be seen in the way the two cultures approach food. The English are known for their traditional roasts and puddings, while the French are famous for their haute cuisine and delicate pastries.

When it comes to language, the English language is full of idiomatic expressions and slang, while French is known for its precision and elegance.

Despite these differences, both English and French cultures have much to offer and are rich in history and tradition. Whether you prefer a cup of tea or a cup of coffee, a hearty roast or a fine pastry, there is something to appreciate in both cultures.

So the next time you find yourself comparing the two, remember to keep an open mind and enjoy the unique qualities that each has to offer.

Hilarious!

This book is truly a gem that is filled to the brim with laugh-out-loud moments and an abundance of giggles.

From the very first page, it has the power to transport you into a world of pure comical delight.

The author's witty writing style and clever use of humor make every sentence a potential source of amusement.

Whether it's the absurd situations the characters find themselves in or the hilarious dialogue they exchange, there is never a dull moment.

You'll find yourself chuckling, snickering, and outright laughing as you turn the pages.

This book is not only a great source of entertainment but also a wonderful stress reliever.

It's the kind of book that you can pick up at any time and instantly be in a better mood.

So, if you're looking for a good laugh, look no further than this hilarious book.

The book indeed has certain moments that can capture the reader's attention.

However, it is frequently marred by an excessive dependence on stereotypes. This overuse of common and often simplistic character types can make the story feel unoriginal and predictable.

Moreover, the central character is one that the reader really wouldn't desire to be in the company of. This lack of likeability in the main character can make it difficult for the reader to fully engage with the story and invest in the character's journey.

Overall, while the book has some闪光点, its flaws in terms of relying on stereotypes and having an unappealing central character prevent it from reaching its full potential.

This review was penned specifically for 'The Review Diaries'. For the complete review, do visit the site: http://reviewdiaries.blogspot.fr/2014...

I have perused several other works by Stephen Clarke and have been truly enamored by them. His writing style is both eloquent and often hilariously funny. He approaches his subjects with a blend of wit and an evident profound love for the country and culture he is writing about. However, it is a great pity that he failed to infuse any of that charm into 'A Year in the Merde'.

When I initially picked up this book, I was under the impression that it was a travel memoir, anticipating a detailed account of the numerous challenges and pitfalls that people encounter when relocating to France. Instead, what I was presented with was a truly abhorrent main character. Not only does he feel out of place in Paris due to his move, but he is also extremely rude and obnoxious. Throughout his stay, he makes absolutely no effort to be anything other than disparaging and condescending, which makes the reading experience rather unpleasant.