Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
36(36%)
4 stars
26(26%)
3 stars
38(38%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 14,2025
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Well,

after living for three years in a French-speaking multicultural environment that is heavily influenced by the French style, I have found this book extremely funny and absolutely worth reading.

It is a very easy-to-digest book as the writer is not worried about showing off some excellence in literature.

It would be even funnier if you have ever suffered from learning French in your life.

I strongly recommend this book to those who are interested in the French way of living.

The book offers a unique perspective on the French culture, with its humorous anecdotes and light-hearted approach.

It provides insights into the daily lives, traditions, and values of the French people, making it an enjoyable and educational read.

Whether you are planning a trip to France or simply want to learn more about the country, this book is a great choice.
July 14,2025
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The only reason I managed to finish this book was that I initiated a game to count precisely how many times Stephen Clarke could objectify women within 380 pages.

The final tally stands at a staggering 88 times. Each instance seems to take up approximately a page. Despite there being 380 pages in total, I completed the reading in less than a day, perhaps because I was eager to get it over with. It's a quick yet excruciating read.

This implies that roughly 25% of this book is filled with Stephen Clarke writing about breasts, cellulite, his penis, and incessantly complaining about not being able to have sex with women who lack any real character development, save for mentions of the color of their skin and hair.

Here are a few choice excerpts (flip to any page):

" 'Pardonne-moi, mon Englishman,' she said fondly, and left me standing there in the ladies, with yet another useless erection. Lucky hard-ons are biodegradable, I thought, because I was throwing a lot of them away."

"Jean-Marie praising her professional skills, Nicole wanting to rip her bodice open and have him praise her boobs. Or was I being stereotypical?" (Answer: yes)

"The girls shaping their buttocks and massaging their breasts really didn't need to worry, but I wasn't going to tell them to stop."

And my personal favorite:

" 'Tell you what, Florence. This weekend, let's go get an AIDS test.' She lifted herself up off the pillow and leaned over to kiss me. After all, these days it's about the most romantic thing a guy can say to a girl."

In contrast, he mentions the Eiffel Tower only 5 times and champagne 7 times. Other prominent themes include dog shit and homophobia.

I reside in France and am married to a French man, so this book held great potential. Being an expat in this country should offer a writer a wealth of material - the administration, the general attitudes, work and family life, food, history - all of which Clarke touched upon for about a page or two. However, most of this story is poorly-written, sexually-repressed drivel that demonstrates a lack of imagination, talent, and maturity.

Quelle dommage!
July 14,2025
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E hazlie.


The module in which an Englishman mocks everything that the extreme nationalism of the French means is amusing.


It's not an exceptional book, but nor is it a star.


It's easy to read.


The main character is a bit misogynistic but not annoying because I, for one, didn't take him seriously for a moment. It seemed rather to be made that way to give a meaning to the story.


It entertained me to read it.


I recommend it if you feel like reading something amusing from time to time.


3⭐️
July 14,2025
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This book is indeed highly readable, the sort of thing that one could easily devour from beginning to end if one had a few spare hours with nothing else to do.

However, this is perhaps the most positive aspect that can be said about it. It is purportedly one of those comical accounts of an individual living in a foreign culture and the zany misfortunes he encounters.

Yet, for the most part, it focuses on a rather uninteresting Englishman who attempts far too strenuously to be humorous. He didn't even bother to acquire any knowledge about how France functions before deciding to relocate there.

Subsequently, he complains at every opportunity about the ways in which France differs from England. Although he does have to contend with some rather unpleasant French people, by the conclusion, it was unclear who seemed more unappealing, them or him.

Once again, it is highly readable and would likely make a train or plane journey much more bearable. But if given the option, why would one choose to read about the (mis)adventures of a group of extremely unlikable individuals?
July 14,2025
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Very very funny!! As an Anglophile & Francophile, I found this absolutely hilarious. It's truly a delight to read. This obviously isn't everyone's experience, of course. But if you just let yourself go and enjoy the story without overthinking, it's great fun. The way the events unfold and the characters interact is both charming and entertaining. It has a certain charm that can make you forget about your worries for a while and just沉浸 in the narrative. Whether you have a special affinity for English or French culture or not, this story has something to offer. It's a light-hearted and enjoyable read that can bring a smile to your face.

July 14,2025
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I found myself having a rather mixed reaction to this book.

On one hand, I truly enjoyed certain aspects such as the keen observations and vivid descriptions of the strikes. It provided an interesting window into a particular time and place.

However, on the other hand, I was extremely disappointed with the portrayal of women in the book. Every single woman seemed to be reduced to nothing more than a sexual conquest. What's more, the author seemed to hold the view that a woman with political opinions was somehow the worst thing imaginable. There was a specific scene that really stood out to me. After a woman made just one sentence expressing her opinion on the governance of her country, the protagonist asked her in horror if she was political. This blatant lack of respect for women and their relationships was deeply off-putting.

I had initially anticipated that this book would offer an engaging look at the typical Brit living in Paris. But instead, the main character was someone I simply could not relate to at all. His attitudes and behaviors made it clear that he was the kind of person I would go out of my way to avoid in real life.

Overall, while there were some redeeming qualities in the book, the negative aspects regarding the treatment of women and the unlikable protagonist really detracted from my enjoyment.
July 14,2025
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My rule of thumb is to read through the first 100 pages to judge if I want to continue.

I managed to make it to page 63, but that was really a stretch.

I had such high expectations. I was hoping for a witty story set in a city that I love.

However, instead, it turned out to be repetitive, boorish, and a wearisome account.

It seems to focus solely on getting the lead out and what he can complain about ad nauseam.

It's really quite disappointing.

I was looking forward to being engaged and entertained, but unfortunately, this book failed to deliver.

Pfff!

I don't think I'll be continuing with this one.
July 14,2025
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It was the third time that I tried to read and finally managed to do so.

It is an easy-to-read book, although I don't consider humor a prominent part of the book.

This is a narration of French life by a marketing director from London. The book is filled with the adventures of living in Paris. What the book lacks is that the main character is sexist and a bit selfish towards women.

Summary by topics:

Tea company, nice boss, many women, sharing a house with the boss's daughter, a house in the countryside, corruption, nuclear power plant, fired, English lessons...

The story seems to unfold in a rather interesting way, with various elements intertwined. However, the portrayal of the main character's attitude towards women is a bit of a drawback. Nevertheless, it still offers an insight into different aspects of life, such as work, relationships, and the environment. It would be interesting to see how the main character develops and overcomes the challenges he faces throughout the story.
July 14,2025
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"Better than an antidote to the current time in the merde." This short phrase holds a certain power and significance. It implies that there is something that can provide a remedy or a way out of the difficult or unpleasant situation we find ourselves in during the present moment.

Perhaps it refers to a particular activity, such as reading a good book, listening to music, or engaging in a hobby that allows us to escape from the chaos and stress of daily life. It could also mean having a positive attitude, looking for the good in every situation, and believing that things will get better.

Whatever it may be, the idea of having something better than an antidote is appealing. It gives us hope and a sense of direction, and encourages us to keep going even when the going gets tough. In a world that often seems filled with uncertainty and turmoil, finding that one thing that can make a difference can be a truly precious gift.

So, let's all search for that something that is better than an antidote to the current time in the merde, and hold onto it tightly. It may just be the thing that helps us get through the toughest of times and come out stronger on the other side.
July 14,2025
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Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.
July 14,2025
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**Original Article**: This is a simple and interesting story. It makes people feel happy.

**Expanded Article**:

This is a truly simple and interesting story that has the power to bring a smile to your face.

It's like a little ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, brightening up your mood and making you feel happy from the inside out.

The characters and events in the story are presented in such a way that it's easy to follow and engage with.

You'll find yourself laughing out loud at some of the funny moments and perhaps even relating to some of the experiences.

It's the kind of story that you can pick up and read whenever you need a quick pick-me-up or just want to enjoy a light-hearted read.

So, sit back, relax, and let this easy and funny story take you on a journey of joy and entertainment.
July 14,2025
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I really loved this book!! It is very different from my usual readings.

Throughout the story, we discover the English perspective on France, but also vice versa.

The English humor is present! It makes the reading very enjoyable and engaging. We get to see how the two cultures interact and how they perceive each other. The author does a great job of presenting both sides in an interesting and entertaining way. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about different cultures or who just enjoys a good read. It is a great way to expand your knowledge and have some fun at the same time.
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