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3.35 AVERAGE
3.35 AVERAGE
Things now are different in the UK from when I spent the summer of 1986 working in London, but the English obviously aren't all that different judging by this book. Most amusing.
This book is written by an American who has lived in England for many years, since moving there to be with her now husband. She has some very interesting insights on the two countries separated by a common language. Any anglophile will enjoy the Anglo Files.
Lyall covers a lot of ground in this book. It's based on both her personal experiences and what others have written on the subject, and also on conclusions drawn from Brits' behavior in, and quotes to, various media.
The book definitely shines a flashlight on some darker aspects of British culture, but it doesn't come off as malicious. It's an interesting read, on the whole, if a tiny bit dated now in its discussions of the royal family and Rupert Murdoch's media empire. (Unavoidable, obviously; time does march on.)
A good read for any Anglophile.
The book definitely shines a flashlight on some darker aspects of British culture, but it doesn't come off as malicious. It's an interesting read, on the whole, if a tiny bit dated now in its discussions of the royal family and Rupert Murdoch's media empire. (Unavoidable, obviously; time does march on.)
A good read for any Anglophile.
Incredibly funny and engaging, this was a quick and enjoyable read. My only complaint is that (especially in the earlier chapters) it seemed to have a negative slant. It's sort of confusing, because the author lives in England and her husband is English and you get the sense she has loads of affection for the English...but you do kind of get the sense that everyone is sexually and emotionally repressed, functional alcoholics, and kind of gay. Also that the House of Commons is a big frat party and that cricket is the more wildly boring sport ever invented. Things get a little more neutral as you go on, though, and it was really fun to read. I'd give it 3.5 stars if you could do half stars.
Book about the differences between Americans and English. Enjoyable but could have been written in a much briefer form.
Well, this book didn't turn me off from visiting England in the least. It might have me packing ala Jeff Goldblum in Vibes, with my own water and food source, though...
I really liked this book. It's funny, if not falling-down-giggling funny, and gives a fun, insightful look at Britons and their way of life. At least, I think it's insightful. Having never been to England and having limited access to actual England-ians, I probably have a very stereotypical view of them. This book diminishes some of it and adds brand-spankin' new ones in there, as well.
Some of the chapters lag, but overall, I really enjoyed reading this. Even the chapters that lagged had "easter egg" type treasures in them, which made it impossible to skim.
I really liked this book. It's funny, if not falling-down-giggling funny, and gives a fun, insightful look at Britons and their way of life. At least, I think it's insightful. Having never been to England and having limited access to actual England-ians, I probably have a very stereotypical view of them. This book diminishes some of it and adds brand-spankin' new ones in there, as well.
Some of the chapters lag, but overall, I really enjoyed reading this. Even the chapters that lagged had "easter egg" type treasures in them, which made it impossible to skim.
This book was hilarious and insightful. I do feel that she front-loaded the book with her best material, but I still believe it's worth reading.
funny
informative
medium-paced
Love Lyall’s work, just some of the chapters weren’t interesting. (But the hedgehog one is wild!)
Of COURSE I read this book, right? Glad I did, too.
In terms of books about the British, I liked this much better than Notes on a Small Island. Probably because Lyall is a much friendlier, less douchey storyteller than Bill Bryson. That being said, I do have a few issues. Lyall mentions at various points that it is hard to pin down the character of the British--especially the English. Fine. But maybe that should be reflected in the book's title. This is a field guide to the English, by and large. And really of a specific type of English. Because I certainly know English people that do not fit these molds. I also think Lyall often expects too much of her readers. Granted, people who pick up this book probably already know a bit about Brits, but clarifying at the start what a public school or a private school is in Britain would be helpful for those who don't realize it's completely different from America. And on a personal note, I just disagree with many of Lyall's complaints. I would love to live in a culture where people don't brag all the time. I love British humor (sorry, humour), and I often wanted Lyall to just quit her bitching.
So many interesting bits in this book! It's an especially interesting time to be reading the section on tabloids at the moment! I thoroughly enjoyed the explanations of Parliament and the self-deprecating nature of Brits. I am 100% living in the wrong country. But I already knew that.
I actually laughed out loud at the section about trains and the excuses given for delays. Especially the train delayed "because the driver is only 5 ft. 1 in. and his swivel chair has broken, and he's too short to reach the pedals". I would like that kind of openness on NYC's trains, instead of the usual "police investigation" line. I remember once, in London, hearing that the Picadilly line was delayed due to "customer insolence". Amazing.
Anyway. I love England. Can you tell?
In terms of books about the British, I liked this much better than Notes on a Small Island. Probably because Lyall is a much friendlier, less douchey storyteller than Bill Bryson. That being said, I do have a few issues. Lyall mentions at various points that it is hard to pin down the character of the British--especially the English. Fine. But maybe that should be reflected in the book's title. This is a field guide to the English, by and large. And really of a specific type of English. Because I certainly know English people that do not fit these molds. I also think Lyall often expects too much of her readers. Granted, people who pick up this book probably already know a bit about Brits, but clarifying at the start what a public school or a private school is in Britain would be helpful for those who don't realize it's completely different from America. And on a personal note, I just disagree with many of Lyall's complaints. I would love to live in a culture where people don't brag all the time. I love British humor (sorry, humour), and I often wanted Lyall to just quit her bitching.
So many interesting bits in this book! It's an especially interesting time to be reading the section on tabloids at the moment! I thoroughly enjoyed the explanations of Parliament and the self-deprecating nature of Brits. I am 100% living in the wrong country. But I already knew that.
I actually laughed out loud at the section about trains and the excuses given for delays. Especially the train delayed "because the driver is only 5 ft. 1 in. and his swivel chair has broken, and he's too short to reach the pedals". I would like that kind of openness on NYC's trains, instead of the usual "police investigation" line. I remember once, in London, hearing that the Picadilly line was delayed due to "customer insolence". Amazing.
Anyway. I love England. Can you tell?