Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
39(39%)
4 stars
22(22%)
3 stars
39(39%)
2 stars
0(0%)
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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It is truly very amusing. I have become a fan of his books simply as a result of reading just this one. The way he incorporates franglais into the story is just fascinating. It adds an extra layer of charm and uniqueness to the narrative. Every time I come across those franglais words and phrases, it makes me smile and engage with the text on a whole new level. I can't wait to explore more of his works and see what other delightful surprises he has in store. The combination of his engaging writing style and the use of franglais has truly won me over.

July 14,2025
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The sexist sequel. I had high hopes that it would offer more profound insights. After all, considering the setting in France and the potential for more witty references, I thought it would be a great read.

Alas, I was sorely mistaken. The story failed to deliver on its promises and left me disappointed.

I believe there are a few more installments in the series, but I would highly recommend that you do not bother.

The concept seemed interesting at first, but the execution was lacking. The writing was mediocre, and the readability was only average. The length was also a bit of a letdown.

Overall, I would rate this book a 1.8 out of 5. It simply did not meet my expectations and failed to engage me on any level.
July 14,2025
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Uzrunāja labāk kā pirmā daļa.

This statement implies that something has performed better than the first part. It could refer to a variety of situations, such as a second attempt at a task being more successful than the initial one, or a later stage of a process being more effective than the earlier part.

For example, in a sports competition, a team might play better in the second half than they did in the first, leading to a more favorable outcome. Or in a business project, the implementation phase could go more smoothly than the planning stage.

Understanding what went wrong in the first part and making improvements for the subsequent parts is crucial for achieving better results. By analyzing the differences and learning from the experience, one can enhance their performance and increase the likelihood of success in future endeavors.

Overall, the idea that something uzrunāja labāk kā pirmā daļa emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and the potential for growth and development.
July 14,2025
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Paris, the city of light and love, is also a place full of hilarious and unique observations.

Walking along the charming streets, one can't help but notice the stylish Parisians strutting their stuff. The way they effortlessly combine fashion and attitude is truly a sight to behold.

Another amusing aspect is the French dining culture. The long and elaborate meals, complete with multiple courses and fine wines, can seem a bit excessive to an outsider. But it's all part of the French way of life.

And let's not forget the famous French bureaucracy. Dealing with paperwork and official procedures can be a comical experience, with its own set of rules and regulations that seem to change at the drop of a hat.

Overall, these hilarious observations of Parisian/French life add to the charm and allure of this wonderful city. It's a place where the serious and the silly coexist, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for all who visit.
July 14,2025
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I really enjoyed reading "A Year in the Merde." However, to be completely honest, I have picked up this book for several summers now, yet I just can't seem to fully get into it. With such a vast number of books available to read, and many of them being truly excellent, this particular one is going to be donated to my local library.

The arrogance displayed by Paul and/or Mr. Clarke is somewhat off-putting. It makes it a bit difficult to truly engage with the story and the characters on a deeper level. Despite this, there are still some aspects of the book that I found interesting and entertaining. But overall, it just didn't quite capture my attention and hold it like some of the other great books I've read.

I hope that by donating it to the library, someone else might be able to find more enjoyment in it than I did. Maybe they will be able to overlook the arrogance and see the other qualities that the book has to offer.
July 14,2025
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I truly relished "A Year In the Merde", the initial book centered around Paul, a British entrepreneur residing in Paris.

In that particular volume, the uproarious collision of cultures and the exasperations of conducting business in France crafted an exceedingly humorous and gratifying narrative.

Regrettably, this sequel fails to possess the same allure.

Paul has ventured out on his own in Paris, resolute in his determination to inaugurate the tea room ("My Tea Is Rich") that was a focal point in the first book.

Nonetheless, the tea room takes a secondary position to Paul's romantic escapades. He is currently dating the charming Florence yet yearning for his former girlfriend Alexa.

Having betrayed Alexa in the past, the question looms: how can he regain her affection?

The journey, alas, is not overly captivating.

Many chapters are dedicated to detailing Paul's visit with Florence's family in the rural south of France. While this is somewhat amusing, it is a cumbersome and ultimately extraneous way to commence the story.

Subsequently, there is a great deal of plot contrivance aimed at keeping Paul and Alexa apart until he is finally compelled to make a bold gesture to capture her attention.

Ultimately, I didn't invest all that much interest. I craved more of Paris and the astute observations that pervaded the first book. This sequel was indeed a letdown.
July 14,2025
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Ugh! What utter drivel this is! It is only saved by the occasional funny musing that pops up here and there.

The whole thing seems to be obsessed with sex, which makes it completely unbelievable from the very start all the way to the finish.

The overexaggeration that is used for comedic effect simply doesn't work. It comes across as forced and rather unappealing.

One would have hoped for a more engaging and coherent piece, but unfortunately, this falls far short of that.

It's a real disappointment, to be honest.

There are so many other ways to create something humorous and entertaining without relying on such tired and overdone tropes.

Maybe the author should consider a different approach next time.

July 14,2025
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A Hilarious and Charming Story


Once upon a time, there was a small village filled with the most wonderful and eccentric characters. One day, a traveling salesman arrived in the village with a trunk full of strange and奇妙的 items. The villagers, curious as ever, gathered around to see what he had to offer.


The salesman began to展示 his wares, and one by one, the villagers were charmed and entertained. There was a talking parrot that could imitate anyone's voice, a magic wand that made things disappear and reappear, and a pair of shoes that could make the wearer run faster than the wind.


As the day wore on, the villagers couldn't help but burst into laughter at the salesman's antics and the crazy things he was selling. It was a day filled with hilarity and charm, and one that the villagers would never forget.


And so, the traveling salesman left the village, taking with him the memories of a day filled with laughter and joy. But the story of his visit lived on, passed down from generation to generation, always bringing a smile to the faces of those who heard it.

July 14,2025
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The first option was indeed better.

It had a certain charm and appeal that set it apart. However, the other option was still great fun. It was the perfect choice for those moments when you just wanted to relax and chill out.

Maybe it didn't have all the bells and whistles of the first, but it had its own unique qualities.

It could provide a sense of calm and tranquility, allowing you to unwind and forget about the stresses of the day.

Whether you preferred the first or the second, both had their place and could offer an enjoyable experience.

Sometimes, it's not about having the absolute best, but rather finding what works for you and makes you happy.

So, embrace both options and make the most of each one.

After all, life is all about having fun and enjoying the little things.
July 14,2025
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So funny! I truly loved Clarke's writing style. It kept me amused throughout the entire book.

There was just the right balance of quirky anecdotes, interesting cultural observations, and entertaining relationship antics. It was really nice to read a love story from a dude's point of view. There was less of that obnoxious overanalyzing and such.

And here's a bonus! There were a smattering of French lessons in a really fun manner. For example, when describing this character named Peter Burns, it was said that "Peter" means fart and "burnes" are bollocks. So, welcome to France, Monsieur Fart-Bollocks!

Ok, maybe I'm just immature, but random things like that in the book made me giggle a lot. Of course, people who aren't as nerdy about Brit/French culture as I am might not enjoy the book as thoroughly. However, for me, it was definitely an enjoyable read.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a lighthearted, humorous read with a touch of cultural exploration. It's a great way to spend an afternoon or a lazy weekend.

Give it a try and see if it makes you laugh out loud like it did for me!
July 14,2025
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I truly relished his initial book titled “A Year in the Merde”. It was filled with hilarious stories and astute observations regarding French life and those rather dodgy translations.

I had been eagerly anticipating more of the same in his subsequent works. However, the fact that it has taken me over eight long years to complete this particular book, as opposed to my usual maximum of a week, clearly demonstrates that I did not find it to be on par with the standard set by its predecessors.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. The charm and wit that had drawn me in so strongly in the first book seemed to be lacking in this one.

Nevertheless, I still appreciate the author's efforts and will continue to keep an eye out for his future works, hoping that he will once again recapture that magic that made “A Year in the Merde” so enjoyable.
July 14,2025
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Even though Stephen Clarke's series about Paul West are a bit outdated (completely not woke),

I found this book very funny.

The characters in the story are vividly portrayed, with their unique personalities and quirks.

Paul West, the protagonist, is a bumbling and somewhat naïve Englishman who finds himself in all sorts of absurd situations in France.

The cultural differences between England and France are played up for comical effect, and Clarke does a great job of highlighting the misunderstandings and miscommunications that can occur.

Despite the outdated nature of some of the jokes and references, the book still manages to be entertaining and engaging.

It's a light-hearted read that doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's perfect for anyone looking for a bit of escapist fun.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys humorous fiction.
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