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High Tea and the Low Down: An American's Unfiltered Life in the UK
A Transatlantic Adventure Fueled by Tea and Hedgerow Fruit
When American Claire Craig Evans married a charming British man, there was a cost for the snappy banter and countless offers of she had to uproot life as she knew it and relocate to the UK. Who wouldn’t want to move to an enchanted island where mysterious women with dewy complexions made jam in thatched cottages with millennia-old lichen attached?
Sure, experienced American expats offered nuggets of wisdom (“Bring over a lifetime supply of taco seasoning!”) but they weren’t even mild comfort as Claire tried to avoid death, jail, and wayward sheep while learning to navigate zebra crossings and drive on the “wrong” side of the road.
The allure of a jet-setter lifestyle vanished as fast as Air India sent her Samsonite to Delhi instead of London Heathrow. Would more tea help her figure out how long she’d been wearing the single pair of underwear in her possession? (That was the jetlag talking. They do have underwear in the UK, too.)
High Tea and the Low Down is a keenly-observed memoir full of laugh-out-loud moments as Claire experiences the reality of English living. If she couldn’t even pass a pub quiz, how would she ever pass the infamous Life in the UK test, the high-stakes hurdle required to stay on British soil (and with her husband) indefinitely?
When American Claire Craig Evans married a charming British man, there was a cost for the snappy banter and countless offers of she had to uproot life as she knew it and relocate to the UK. Who wouldn’t want to move to an enchanted island where mysterious women with dewy complexions made jam in thatched cottages with millennia-old lichen attached?
Sure, experienced American expats offered nuggets of wisdom (“Bring over a lifetime supply of taco seasoning!”) but they weren’t even mild comfort as Claire tried to avoid death, jail, and wayward sheep while learning to navigate zebra crossings and drive on the “wrong” side of the road.
The allure of a jet-setter lifestyle vanished as fast as Air India sent her Samsonite to Delhi instead of London Heathrow. Would more tea help her figure out how long she’d been wearing the single pair of underwear in her possession? (That was the jetlag talking. They do have underwear in the UK, too.)
High Tea and the Low Down is a keenly-observed memoir full of laugh-out-loud moments as Claire experiences the reality of English living. If she couldn’t even pass a pub quiz, how would she ever pass the infamous Life in the UK test, the high-stakes hurdle required to stay on British soil (and with her husband) indefinitely?
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2023
78 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 20, 2023
I was intrigued by this book which covers Claire’s experiences as an American living in the UK and I was interested to see what things she would pick as standing out the most to her and being worthy of comment. Having moved from England to Massachusetts twenty years ago, I found that most of the things she mentioned as being different and noteworthy to her life in the USA are the things I find myself missing, such as the chocolate, TV shows, British sports, even the NHS, with its ridiculously long wait times for appointments and common sayings that are met with blank faces when I say them here. I was also reminded of things I definitely don’t miss about England life, such as the weather and its associated Seasonal Affective Disorder, the bureaucracy and the unreliability of train and bus services.
Claire has a great sense of humour and her experiences are relayed with wit - she doesn’t shy away from telling stories in which she ends up being the butt of the joke. If you are a fan of England or curious about what it’s like for a foreigner to live there you will find this a useful and enjoyable read.
Claire has a great sense of humour and her experiences are relayed with wit - she doesn’t shy away from telling stories in which she ends up being the butt of the joke. If you are a fan of England or curious about what it’s like for a foreigner to live there you will find this a useful and enjoyable read.
February 2, 2024
Actually enjoyed about the first half but then the last half was just 2 or 3 page chapters ending with not very clever punchlines. The humor just did not land for me. If the book ended about page 203 I would have rated it higher. The last chapters annoyed me that much.
September 12, 2023
Fun into to British culture
Evans has a fun, breezy way with words and remembrances. Marrying that British guy was great, jumping into the culture a tad less - just as it would be for all of us Americans. However, Evans lets us in on the often amusing personal moments of her intro into the UK.
Evans has a fun, breezy way with words and remembrances. Marrying that British guy was great, jumping into the culture a tad less - just as it would be for all of us Americans. However, Evans lets us in on the often amusing personal moments of her intro into the UK.
November 12, 2023
The book started out interesting but then it turned into the same kind of snarky writing à la Bill Bryson whose writing I cannot stand. There were some funny moments that I, as an American expat, could relate to, but that was rare.
September 16, 2024
3.5 stars. Fun book on some of the quirks of British culture as viewed by an American.
September 18, 2023
As an Anglophile, I'm always skeptical about books about "abroad" life in the UK. But, Evans puts my skepticism to rest in this charming series of essays on life across-the-pond as an American. I know Evans from my work as a library programmer and hired her do virtual programs for my library multiple times...all about various aspects of UK life. Her take on the differences between the Brits and the Yanks is funny, irreverent and sincere. I imagine all of these stories actually happened to her as opposed to invented fodder for this book. Thoroughly enjoyed this interesting and at times, wild, ride through Great Britain.
May 4, 2024
I love books about living abroad. Whether the book is by a British writer trying to get the plumbing fixed in Paris, an American navigating roads in China or Italy, I'm fascinated.
What I love about these books are the interactions with the people in the country and the observations of cultural differences-- the way Danes can leave kids in strollers outside a shop while Mom pops in, the way Italian workmen dress in spotless coveralls. In Rome, I once had a frustrating conversation with an Airbnb landlord about lack of hot water in a rented apartment. It was the third Airbnb we'd rented in Europe with hot water issues and I asked him why. He told me the system they use usually works and is far more modern and superior to the hot water heaters we use in the U.S. "yes, I said. "But in the U.S. I have hot water." (I didn't also mention the awful one cup coffee machines in U.S. rentals-- not the time I thought.")
Unfortunately this book includes almost no interactions with British people. The author seems determined to isolate herself from her English neighbors. She doesn't tell them shes American for fear of getting into political conversations.
There's almost no real local color and the author sounds at times, like a bad guidebook. Consider that her introduction of a chapter on a visit to York starts by telling the reader that York is the birthplace of Yorkshire pudding and leaves out almost everything else including history, literary references and people. Instead we're treated to a description of tourist activities.
The author seems to think her personal story of meeting her husband and falling in love is enough. We dont really get a picture of what it's like to fit into a new culture with new relatives. Instead we get constant complaints about the lack of ice in soft drinks. Really?
It's odd that this author decided to write about England. Shes learned very little about it. How sad.
What I love about these books are the interactions with the people in the country and the observations of cultural differences-- the way Danes can leave kids in strollers outside a shop while Mom pops in, the way Italian workmen dress in spotless coveralls. In Rome, I once had a frustrating conversation with an Airbnb landlord about lack of hot water in a rented apartment. It was the third Airbnb we'd rented in Europe with hot water issues and I asked him why. He told me the system they use usually works and is far more modern and superior to the hot water heaters we use in the U.S. "yes, I said. "But in the U.S. I have hot water." (I didn't also mention the awful one cup coffee machines in U.S. rentals-- not the time I thought.")
Unfortunately this book includes almost no interactions with British people. The author seems determined to isolate herself from her English neighbors. She doesn't tell them shes American for fear of getting into political conversations.
There's almost no real local color and the author sounds at times, like a bad guidebook. Consider that her introduction of a chapter on a visit to York starts by telling the reader that York is the birthplace of Yorkshire pudding and leaves out almost everything else including history, literary references and people. Instead we're treated to a description of tourist activities.
The author seems to think her personal story of meeting her husband and falling in love is enough. We dont really get a picture of what it's like to fit into a new culture with new relatives. Instead we get constant complaints about the lack of ice in soft drinks. Really?
It's odd that this author decided to write about England. Shes learned very little about it. How sad.
August 31, 2024
This book made me chuckle quite a bit at the often amusing, sometimes confusing, transition that an American makes upon moving to the UK. Some of the differences were things I knew about; others were fascinating tidbits I filed away for later.
The author describes her first months in the UK, all leading up to the moment when she must take the "Life in the UK" exam, which will determine whether she can stay for good (yes, even though she's married to a citizen!).
There were funny bits and lots of cultural/practical info to interest an Anglophile.
Content note: Pretty sure there was the odd swear here and there but not enough to linger in my memory.
Fun passage:
Ben happened to call me from work on my mobile phone to check our guests’ status while they were in my sole custody...
“I’ve just stepped out of a model roundhouse,” I said, choking from the smoke of the roasted jerky demonstration going on inside. “I’m staring at the turf roof.”
“Good. When’s the last time they had tea?”
Ahh. Ben knew my ideas on the appropriate interval for tea administration were inadequate by his standards (and the rest of the island’s). I checked my watch. “About three hours ago.”
“Oh dear.” His tone was serious.
“Oh dear” was the most popular, all-purpose British lamentation. To my ears, it sounded like something Ancient Aunt Bea might say upon discovering the village of Mayberry was out of headache powder.
The author describes her first months in the UK, all leading up to the moment when she must take the "Life in the UK" exam, which will determine whether she can stay for good (yes, even though she's married to a citizen!).
There were funny bits and lots of cultural/practical info to interest an Anglophile.
Content note: Pretty sure there was the odd swear here and there but not enough to linger in my memory.
Fun passage:
Ben happened to call me from work on my mobile phone to check our guests’ status while they were in my sole custody...
“I’ve just stepped out of a model roundhouse,” I said, choking from the smoke of the roasted jerky demonstration going on inside. “I’m staring at the turf roof.”
“Good. When’s the last time they had tea?”
Ahh. Ben knew my ideas on the appropriate interval for tea administration were inadequate by his standards (and the rest of the island’s). I checked my watch. “About three hours ago.”
“Oh dear.” His tone was serious.
“Oh dear” was the most popular, all-purpose British lamentation. To my ears, it sounded like something Ancient Aunt Bea might say upon discovering the village of Mayberry was out of headache powder.
September 10, 2024
There’s something about moving abroad memoirs that fascinate me. As an émigré myself, how do others manage very different cultures when upping sticks abroad? To read, then, of someone moving to one’s own country (England) is doubly fascinating.
When Claire Craig Evans, an American lawyer, moved to the UK with her British husband, she thought a lifetime of British sitcoms would help her adjust…
I spent much of this delightful tale giggling in a superior way at Claire’s British faux pas and her very unBritish dislike of crumbles, marmite, and toffee apples.
I also had fun figuring out some of Claire’s American expressions: pavement for roads; duking it out; a gum parker for ‘parking’ chewing gum (I’m with her British husband on that one).
I can’t feel superior to this American who had to take the Life in the UK test, though. I’m pretty sure I’d fail that test, especially if some apparently British slang was involved; Woofty, Niffy and Tony have all passed me by in the years I’ve been gone.
So, three cheers for Claire for taking the plunge into the weird and wonderful society which embraces both High Tea, and conkers.
When Claire Craig Evans, an American lawyer, moved to the UK with her British husband, she thought a lifetime of British sitcoms would help her adjust…
I spent much of this delightful tale giggling in a superior way at Claire’s British faux pas and her very unBritish dislike of crumbles, marmite, and toffee apples.
I also had fun figuring out some of Claire’s American expressions: pavement for roads; duking it out; a gum parker for ‘parking’ chewing gum (I’m with her British husband on that one).
I can’t feel superior to this American who had to take the Life in the UK test, though. I’m pretty sure I’d fail that test, especially if some apparently British slang was involved; Woofty, Niffy and Tony have all passed me by in the years I’ve been gone.
So, three cheers for Claire for taking the plunge into the weird and wonderful society which embraces both High Tea, and conkers.
October 13, 2023
If you're looking for a story with scenes that lead to climaxes, the dark moment, and a resolution, this isn't the book you want. This book, instead, shows various slices of life for an American who moves with her husband to the U.K. I am an American who has lived in New Zealand for 25 years. I wanted to compare NZ culture with British culture since British culture strongly colors NZ culture. It felt like about 50% of the differences between US and UK culture are similar to NZ culture. The other half are different. I felt Claire Evans was fair in showing the differences, not necessarily making British culture better or worse than US culture, just different.
My favorite line was: "I didn't like the idea of stifling enthusiasm for decorum's sake." New Zealanders (Kiwis) are friendly people, but not emotional. I maintain that American enthusiasm often comes across as aggressive in NZ. So I could identify with the author in that respect.
The book does give insight into British-American cultural differences in a fun way without putting either culture down.
My favorite line was: "I didn't like the idea of stifling enthusiasm for decorum's sake." New Zealanders (Kiwis) are friendly people, but not emotional. I maintain that American enthusiasm often comes across as aggressive in NZ. So I could identify with the author in that respect.
The book does give insight into British-American cultural differences in a fun way without putting either culture down.
September 22, 2024
High Tea and the Low Down contains the witty and unfiltered opinions of an emigree on her adopted homeland. After Claire bravely ups sticks for love from the wide-open spaces of Mid-West USA to the Lilliput land of England, she discovers it’s an eccentric place where pies can be savoury as well as sweet and where the locals slather their toast with a brown yeasty spread instead of peanut butter and jelly.
The author riffs on other topics as diverse as clothes storage (or the lack of it), tiny houses, stately homes and cathedrals, tea drinking and other cultural conundrums that must baffle every hopeful citizen wanting to pass the Life in the UK Test.
Thanks to Claire’s book, I now understand that people in the USA refer to the house I call “a semi” as a duplex. (According to a recent crossword clue, it’s called a maisonette in South Australia.) It shows that we may all speak the same language but sometimes need an international cultural dictionary to understand.
I received a free copy of this book.
The author riffs on other topics as diverse as clothes storage (or the lack of it), tiny houses, stately homes and cathedrals, tea drinking and other cultural conundrums that must baffle every hopeful citizen wanting to pass the Life in the UK Test.
Thanks to Claire’s book, I now understand that people in the USA refer to the house I call “a semi” as a duplex. (According to a recent crossword clue, it’s called a maisonette in South Australia.) It shows that we may all speak the same language but sometimes need an international cultural dictionary to understand.
I received a free copy of this book.
October 3, 2024
As a Brit who moved to the US from the UK, I can sympathize with Claire moving the other way. Things are not as similar as you might expect. I chuckled at many of her exploits and adventures. Those huge coffee mugs! And the concessions! But I really enjoyed her visits to stately homes and historical buildings, and her description of the Yorvik centre was hilarious. I just have one issue with the book. Claire kept talking about "Island Life", which to me conjures up Jamaica and the Caribbean. Yes, I know that Britain is technically an island, but after 50+ years of living there I don't know anyone who lives there who thinks of it that way. Anyway, setting that aside, it's a funny and well-written book which I can definitely recommend.
September 12, 2023
This is a witty, snarky book about the cultural differences between the US and the UK. It’s a memoir of the (mis) adventures of the American attorney author, Claire Craig Evans, who tries to adjust to life in the UK after moving there with her British husband. The book is filled with funny misunderstandings about language, idioms, and customs. The chapters on her getting her UK driver’s license and going antiquing and mistaking a chamber pot for an oversized coffee mug were especially hilarious.
March 4, 2024
Relishing this wonderful memoir. And, enjoying so many great laugh-out-loud moments as I learn about the realities of not only living in England but especially being an American expat in England. Love the author’s writing style and sense of humor. Enjoying reading about the author’s online dating experiences (what a hoot); how she and her husband found one another; the relocation/moving process; and English culture, food, dialogue, attractions, and more. Highly recommended it for everyone.
May 4, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed Claire’s absorbing story of giving up a career as an American lawyer to follow her British engineer husband back to England. The book was never short of smiles, chuckles and loud gasps of laughter. Even in the midst of the difficulties of finding her place in a different culture and faraway land, Claire’s quick wit shines through. Uplifting, fun and encouraging. Will enjoy rereading this one in the years to come.
September 1, 2024
Loved this tale of an American’s perspective on life in the UK. It takes an outsider to properly shine a light on the idiosyncrasies of another culture, and the UK and USA are clearly two nations separated by more than a huge expanse of water and a common language (that is less common than you’d imagine). Reading this makes me both miss some aspects of life in the UK and also makes me less keen to go back in equal measure!
June 5, 2025
I've visited England several times, each time, I think I could live it. This delightful book was just what I needed to learn what to expect if I did take the plunge. Ms. Evans takes the reader on a hilarious journey of an expat living in England. She describes the ups and downs in a way that will make you laugh at loud. From learning to drive on the other side of the road, language challenges, holiday celebrations and much more. Brilliant job!
May 29, 2024
England
For me this was a fun read as I lived in England—3 different places for 12 yrs. Driving—yes the scariest thing until I told myself—passenger on the curb-it was fun reading about the different words she had to use with different meanings from the US and she did really well—is she going to live there forever?
For me this was a fun read as I lived in England—3 different places for 12 yrs. Driving—yes the scariest thing until I told myself—passenger on the curb-it was fun reading about the different words she had to use with different meanings from the US and she did really well—is she going to live there forever?
January 30, 2025
British life, as explained by an American
Having lived in England for a short while in the late 90s, my husband and I could relate to so much of what this author has experienced. And it brought back many fond memories. I really enjoyed reading this book. Anyone who is thinking to visit Great Britain would do well to learn from it.
Having lived in England for a short while in the late 90s, my husband and I could relate to so much of what this author has experienced. And it brought back many fond memories. I really enjoyed reading this book. Anyone who is thinking to visit Great Britain would do well to learn from it.
December 13, 2023
Fun and easy breezy read - she makes good fun of herself and situations. She meets & marries a British guy from Cornwall who she meets online in the Chicago area when he was here working in the States --they move back home after awhile--- I would recommend for anyone who loves Great Britain !
April 9, 2024
Punishing. The author tries too hard to be amusing, funny, fails miserably.
Usually, in fact always I read a book to the end , even if I have to skim it, but with this book it was just a cry from the heart to let it end. This book is just plain silly beginning to end.
Usually, in fact always I read a book to the end , even if I have to skim it, but with this book it was just a cry from the heart to let it end. This book is just plain silly beginning to end.
January 13, 2024
Like the stories. Well put together. Even a couple of laugh out loud moments (big coffee cup)
February 12, 2024
A lovely book to read while planning my trip to England.
Read
May 19, 2024A fun, light and descriptive read about living in the UK as an American.
July 3, 2024
There was an undertone of mockery that bothered me. YMMV.
October 21, 2024
Way too chatty in an annoying way and kind of "duh" re the revelations about British life, and so, it was not for me!
February 6, 2025
Hilarious! Very, very entertaining.
April 25, 2025
so funny!
I thoroughly enjoyed her take on living in England and came close to spurting my tea out several times when I laughed out loud!
I thoroughly enjoyed her take on living in England and came close to spurting my tea out several times when I laughed out loud!
May 19, 2025
The comic timing was awkward but I did enjoy some of the stories.
July 9, 2025
It seemed as if the author was more determined to make jokes about her life in the UK than actually get down to living
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews