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tyoungster's review against another edition
4.0
If you're looking for a book about Paris, this is a good start. An Australian meets a Parisienne while traveling and decides to visit him. The visit quickly changes her travel and living plans, as she moves in with him. In this book, she talks about her struggles to fit in with the French, while being an Australian. I never realized how similar Australians and Americans were, but at reading the funny things that drives her crazy and makes her stand out feels very familiar.
Everything from getting a dog to moving into Paris from the suburbs gives her a new take on France and she allows us to along for the ride. If you've ever wondered what it might be like to live in Paris as a foreigner, this book is a must read. It's highly entertaining, while also being informative about history, economics and slights shifts in Paris and the country in which it resides.
Everything from getting a dog to moving into Paris from the suburbs gives her a new take on France and she allows us to along for the ride. If you've ever wondered what it might be like to live in Paris as a foreigner, this book is a must read. It's highly entertaining, while also being informative about history, economics and slights shifts in Paris and the country in which it resides.
achouz's review against another edition
3.0
A book that will make you daydream about moving to France, then will kill that dream a few chapters later by stating some uncomfortable but necessary 'truths' behind the glorious image of a romantic Paris. Unfortunately, I couldn't finish this book although I had like less than 100 pages left. The chapters felt disconnected and just randomly put together like a blog about her experience of living in France.
Plus, I couldn't stand reading more about how ridiculous the French society goes, as much as there are a lot to admire about. For example, there was a chapter about how pets (specifically dogs) are treated so nicely that even dogs (somehow) think of themselves as a superior kind too.. Or people might not be as interested in you (the owner) as your dogs. Like, wow. Ridiculous.
Anyway, all that aside, I didn't regret reading most of the book, as now I've had a more realistic view on Paris and France generally. It's just that I couldn't bring myself to care and look forward to how the book ends. Maybe, if I decide to move to France one day, I would pay this book a revisit.
2.5*/5*
Plus, I couldn't stand reading more about how ridiculous the French society goes, as much as there are a lot to admire about. For example, there was a chapter about how pets (specifically dogs) are treated so nicely that even dogs (somehow) think of themselves as a superior kind too.. Or people might not be as interested in you (the owner) as your dogs. Like, wow. Ridiculous.
Anyway, all that aside, I didn't regret reading most of the book, as now I've had a more realistic view on Paris and France generally. It's just that I couldn't bring myself to care and look forward to how the book ends. Maybe, if I decide to move to France one day, I would pay this book a revisit.
2.5*/5*
lottiehartin's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
4.0
rebjam's review against another edition
4.0
This is a very good and easily digestable read about the complexities of an unfamiliar culture that we all love (food, clothes, some of the art and films) and the conservative politico elite love to hate. Are the French rude? My experience has been no, only Parisians and then not so much. But this book explains a lot of the idiosyncrasies. I recommend this book more than the often lauded From Paris to the Moon which I did not enjoy after Chapter 2.
Chapter 15 about the Parisians and their dogs is worth the price alone--Americans are following suit in their canine pampering.
I once said to a friend that Americans and French are more alike that we like to admit, e.g. Americans are seen as rude but generally are not (as are the French), Americans as seen as arrogant or at least our government--as are the French--My friend remained unconvinced. I now having spent a bit of time in France, a wee bit mind you, am all the more certain of my statement about our similarities. Of course our culture is a bit trashy but then again--go to Northern France--not so chic there either.
Chapter 15 about the Parisians and their dogs is worth the price alone--Americans are following suit in their canine pampering.
I once said to a friend that Americans and French are more alike that we like to admit, e.g. Americans are seen as rude but generally are not (as are the French), Americans as seen as arrogant or at least our government--as are the French--My friend remained unconvinced. I now having spent a bit of time in France, a wee bit mind you, am all the more certain of my statement about our similarities. Of course our culture is a bit trashy but then again--go to Northern France--not so chic there either.
msmiz95's review against another edition
3.0
Very nice reading and really gives good insight into the French culture. After a time, I was getting a bit antsy over the descriptions and maybe a bit of the pitty party, but all in all, it was good fun to read.
seklasse's review against another edition
5.0
I found this book at the perfect time - one year into my own expatriate adventure. Yes, I'm from a different country, my reasons for moving were different, I brought my partner with me, and technically the language is the same, but a lot of the feelings of struggling to fit into a new culture, and falling in love with two countries and feeling torn echo my experience so far. Reading this book felt a bit like finding a friend who gets it, who could help me put the way I'm feeling about calling two different parts of the world home into words. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has moved abroad, is living abroad, or is thinking about it.
mpapaz's review against another edition
5.0
A totally amusing and entertaining book set in France. Explores the dilemma of developing a connection with two countries. The cultural clash makes for a fun read.
kcourts's review against another edition
http://www.43things.com/entries/view/2046219
janerel's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting memoir of an Aussie girl who falls for a Frenchman and ends up living in Paris. Who would have expected that there would be such social differences, culturally and behaviourally? It was fascinating to read about Sarah's new life and the struggles she faced trying to assimilate into the French world, not the least of which was a difficult new language.