Postcards From Across the Pond

by Michael Harling

Dispatches from an accidental expat--a humorous commentary on British life by an bewildered American who, through no fault of his own, found himself living in England.

Genres: Travel

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2009

Reviews

[Todd Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a memoir on the author’s life in Sussex, England. He moved from the US with his new English wife to England. He details his new life there with interesting antidotes on day-to-day life there and the English people themselves. This is at times funny and also provides some insight into what it is to be an ex-pat.

[Laurel Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Fun!

Fascinating look into the life of an American living abroad. All the important things and some you probably didn't even think of. This should be required (and fun) reading before traveling to the UK. Fun and funny.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about some British oddities.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not really one for factual books but when my neighbour lent me a book by American Michael Harling I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed his collection of observations about living life as an ex-pat in Britain. Postcards from Across the Pond was published in 2009 but for anyone who missed it then I urge you to go and find a copy of this very witty and true book.
Postcards from Across the Pond started life as blog posts on Michael’s website when, finding himself living in Britain and indeed married to a Brit, something he never thought would happen, he found himself bewildered and amused by the behaviour of the British.
Now, I am sure that anyone living in a country not their own has been through the same periods of adjustment and getting used to a different way of life but as Michael himself observes, people do tend to think that America and Britain are pretty interchangeable...well, as Michael has discovered, they are not and so begin his thoughts and observations on such things that we Brits never give a thought to – like posting a letter, or a trip to the supermarket, roundabouts and British plumbing.
This is not poking fun at the British because as I read I laughed aloud at some of the things he mentions, the politeness of Brits for instance, yes, we do actually apologise when someone bumps into us – I did it myself today and had a little snigger as I realised! And toast! Cue me laughing loudly to the bemusement of my husband, for, yes, Michael, I do prefer my toast on the colder side! Even events as banal as DIY, washing up and getting a haircut prove to be vastly different and then there’s the food......
If you are looking for a light summer read then this will surely tickle your taste buds as well as your humour and educate you into the bargain because believe me there are more differences between American and British than calling your trousers pants and your pants underwear!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun light read..,good bathroom book because it's made up of two-page essays. They're cute at first but do become just a little cloying because each and every one had the same structure. But...contain some cute observations on life in Britain.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting comments from NY'er who moves to UK

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this humorous book by an American now living in the UK. Good writing and stories are short. Would definitely recommend.

[Annabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious

So funny and witty. He has a really strong sense of the sublime and ridiculous. Anyone who has been to England will recognize all the reasons they wanted to stay.

[Paul Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. Brought back many wonderful memories although we were not as clueless as the author seemed to be. But that is what makes this little book so much fun and funny.