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Nothing Like a Dane: A real-life search for hygge in Denmark
The Danish concept of hygge is a wonderful thing. Even if most fail miserably when they try to pronounce or explain its true essence. Unless you’re a Viking of course.
As Keri stood in the departure lounge of Auckland International Airport with her four-month-old baby, searching for her flight on the board, hygge wasn’t on her radar. In hindsight she agrees it probably should have been.
But she’d never imagined a chance encounter with a Dane in a crowded bar in her home city of Wellington would lead her here, a mother, about to circle the globe, with no knowledge of when she'd return home.
Eighteen thousand kilometres away a new life awaited her in Denmark. A country where babies sleep outside, the word for bread is seemingly impossible to pronounce and a country in which immigration challenges abound.
A witty observer of cultural nuances, Keri reveals the day-to-day realities of a New Zealander living her best life in Denmark. From integration interrogations to rye bread misdemeanors, Nothing Like a Dane provides a humorous and heartfelt insight into creating a new life in a faraway land.
And what did she learn? That it’s not all hygge and pastries. Even in Denmark.
As Keri stood in the departure lounge of Auckland International Airport with her four-month-old baby, searching for her flight on the board, hygge wasn’t on her radar. In hindsight she agrees it probably should have been.
But she’d never imagined a chance encounter with a Dane in a crowded bar in her home city of Wellington would lead her here, a mother, about to circle the globe, with no knowledge of when she'd return home.
Eighteen thousand kilometres away a new life awaited her in Denmark. A country where babies sleep outside, the word for bread is seemingly impossible to pronounce and a country in which immigration challenges abound.
A witty observer of cultural nuances, Keri reveals the day-to-day realities of a New Zealander living her best life in Denmark. From integration interrogations to rye bread misdemeanors, Nothing Like a Dane provides a humorous and heartfelt insight into creating a new life in a faraway land.
And what did she learn? That it’s not all hygge and pastries. Even in Denmark.
Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2023
17 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Keri Bloomfield
2 books10 followersKeri Bloomfield is a Kiwi mum in Denmark and a witty observer of cultural nuances.
Born in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, she now lives in Copenhagen with a Dane, their daughter and far too many bakeries.
She enjoys confusing others with New Zealand slang while wrestling with her lifetime commitment to speaking Danish.
Before Denmark (BD) she could be found enjoying a flat white under the guise of a coffee meeting in Wellington or Auckland. On weekends you would have likely found her cycling around the Miramar Peninsula or, together with her brother, organising a triathlon series in Wellington.
Nothing Like a Dane is her debut memoir.
You can connect with Keri through her website www.keribloomfield.com or on Instagram where she shares regular updates on life in Denmark https://www.instagram.com/keri.bloomf...
Born in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, she now lives in Copenhagen with a Dane, their daughter and far too many bakeries.
She enjoys confusing others with New Zealand slang while wrestling with her lifetime commitment to speaking Danish.
Before Denmark (BD) she could be found enjoying a flat white under the guise of a coffee meeting in Wellington or Auckland. On weekends you would have likely found her cycling around the Miramar Peninsula or, together with her brother, organising a triathlon series in Wellington.
Nothing Like a Dane is her debut memoir.
You can connect with Keri through her website www.keribloomfield.com or on Instagram where she shares regular updates on life in Denmark https://www.instagram.com/keri.bloomf...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
July 30, 2022
As an American living in Denmark (with a Dane), this book resonates with every bone in my body. It feels like sitting down for a cup of tea with a good friend and saying, “You, too?! I thought I was the only one!” over and over again. Keri has a keen eye for cultural differences and a clever way with storytelling that’ll have you laughing and crying within the span of a few pages. This is a book I’m asking my family, who have lived in the US all their lives, to read, as it will give them such rich insight to the ups and downs of carving out a life in a new land.
May 6, 2022
You will laugh out loud at the tales of living in the land of the Vikings! If you’ve ever lived in another country, travelled to Denmark or know anyone who is Danish you will relate. It’s so unbelievably accurate. And while Keri’s wit and good humor make this such an enjoyable read, there is also an underlying struggles of trying to fit in, loss of identity and culture shock.
April 2, 2024
A memoir detailing the authors move from NZ to Denmark and the adjustment in culture. I found the author super unlikeable and unrelatable - so negative about everything and acting like it was Denmark’s fault for being different than what she was used to; so closed minded and resistant to adjusting her perspective to acclimate. Also thought she way over-generalised about the Danes (as someone married into a Danish family who doesn’t relate at all)
July 19, 2022
Having spent 7 years myself maneuvering life with the Scandinavians, I can relate to so much in this fun book. The tell-it-like-it-is tale doesn't sugarcoat - maybe only in pastries - what choosing a life lived abroad is about. Especially during those first couple of years when little cultural affronts and misunderstandings can feel personally mortifying.
Keri’s situation takes a deeper dive than many ex-pats' experiences as she partners with a Dane to grow a two-culture (Kiwi-Danish) family. Heartfelt and honest, anyone who has been on the outside in spaces of their adult life will recognize the challenges she writes about. Trying to retain a sense of self inside another country - with a long list of requirements one must pass through for assimilation - adds another layer entirely.
The author pulls the reader along through a witty string of Danish vignettes. It’s a brilliant take on the little culture shocks one might encounter when living in (or just visiting) Denmark when you’re “nothing like a Dane.” Bonus? A little Kiwi slang education along the route.
Keri’s situation takes a deeper dive than many ex-pats' experiences as she partners with a Dane to grow a two-culture (Kiwi-Danish) family. Heartfelt and honest, anyone who has been on the outside in spaces of their adult life will recognize the challenges she writes about. Trying to retain a sense of self inside another country - with a long list of requirements one must pass through for assimilation - adds another layer entirely.
The author pulls the reader along through a witty string of Danish vignettes. It’s a brilliant take on the little culture shocks one might encounter when living in (or just visiting) Denmark when you’re “nothing like a Dane.” Bonus? A little Kiwi slang education along the route.
April 25, 2022
Keri’s travel, expat memoir offers the full deal. You’ll laugh and cry - guaranteed. You’ll learn about the much-admired-Denmark through a unique lens: facts, language and the weird (to some).
If you’re an expat anywhere you’ll relate to Keri’s daily adventures: the emotions, the confusion, the cultural faux pas and general befuddlement.
If you’re a New Zealander living at home, Keri will give you an insight into the good times and bad of being a kiwi and expat abroad: all her choice of course.
If you’re Danish living anywhere you’ll find yourself looking in a mirror that reflects back an outsider’s admiration and respect for your country, along with a few belly laughs – reminding us all to not take life too seriously.
I thoroughly recommend 'Nothing Like a Dane' for an easy, memorable and enjoyable read.
If you’re an expat anywhere you’ll relate to Keri’s daily adventures: the emotions, the confusion, the cultural faux pas and general befuddlement.
If you’re a New Zealander living at home, Keri will give you an insight into the good times and bad of being a kiwi and expat abroad: all her choice of course.
If you’re Danish living anywhere you’ll find yourself looking in a mirror that reflects back an outsider’s admiration and respect for your country, along with a few belly laughs – reminding us all to not take life too seriously.
I thoroughly recommend 'Nothing Like a Dane' for an easy, memorable and enjoyable read.
July 26, 2023
I’m 10 chapters in. I just can’t manage the whole thing. I’m finding it almost unbearably depressing. And maybe because I can hear myself a little bit in my early years in Denmark. Denmark doesn’t necessarily make things easy, with its impenetrable language where the spelling and pronunciation are, as far as I can tell, even after 24 years, unconnected. But it is, after all a choice to be here. We may not love those dark, rainy November days, or the bewildering swimming pool Nazis enforcing the nudity, but wallowing in the negative can be a bit of a slog.
And also, authors shouldn’t read their own audiobooks. Unless you’re Prince Harry.
And also, authors shouldn’t read their own audiobooks. Unless you’re Prince Harry.
July 5, 2022
This book was an absolute gem. From accidental nudity to aggressive grocery dividers, Keri absolutely nailed being new in Denmark. As a former expat in Denmark, I can absolutely relate to her experiences. Her descriptions of navigating a new culture and a new language really hit home, and I was rooting for her the whole time. This book is for anyone who loves to travel or set off on an adventure of any kind. Can’t wait to read more of this author!
July 22, 2022
As a kiwi also living in Denmark, this book truly spoke to me. Keri's experiences and insights were spot-on in every way. Most importantly, it validated for me so many of the moments where I've felt outside the norm and have not understood why. I think what's great about the book is that she doesn't malign Danish culture. She celebrates it in so many ways but just highlights the oddities that can make a foreigner feel outside. I do believe that Danes try to be welcoming to foreigners, but their love of their rituals and ways of being can sometimes blind them to deviations from what they're used to. Keri does a great job at balancing contrasting cultural perspectives without being superficial or mean. She also does not ignore Denmark's conservative immigration policy but doesn't spend too much time on it as her book is about personal experiences, not a political opinion piece. Tillykke Keri for en dejlig bog!
August 27, 2023
I had high hopes, especially given the great, full year I've had in Denmark. But this one fell short for me. I think I needed at least 10-20% more heart and more sincerity for her stories to really resonate with me.
I'm grateful I came to Denmark in different circumstances. I moved here with my (also foreign) partner, childless, with a great expat support system through M's school. Also grateful to have found a job so quickly.
Did learn some new things about Denmark, like the mommy groups, list of pre-approved Danish names, and various social procedures for Danish gatherings.
(Listened as an audiobook)
I'm grateful I came to Denmark in different circumstances. I moved here with my (also foreign) partner, childless, with a great expat support system through M's school. Also grateful to have found a job so quickly.
Did learn some new things about Denmark, like the mommy groups, list of pre-approved Danish names, and various social procedures for Danish gatherings.
(Listened as an audiobook)
September 11, 2023
If you only read one book before moving to Denmark, make sure it’s this one!!
Keri does an amazing job of telling her story while artfully and adequately weaving in the “rules” for living in Denmark and the “quirks” in Danish culture.
This book is so relatable to non-Danes in Denmark. My husband and I (monolingual Americans) both were constantly smirking, laughing, or saying “Yes! Exactly!” (“Lige præcise!”) while we listened to the audiobook together.
I will definitely be in the market for a physical copy to own now. ☺️
Keri does an amazing job of telling her story while artfully and adequately weaving in the “rules” for living in Denmark and the “quirks” in Danish culture.
This book is so relatable to non-Danes in Denmark. My husband and I (monolingual Americans) both were constantly smirking, laughing, or saying “Yes! Exactly!” (“Lige præcise!”) while we listened to the audiobook together.
I will definitely be in the market for a physical copy to own now. ☺️
Read
July 23, 2023The first memoir I’ve read! Super cute and made me reminisce :,) tak for at give det Louise!
November 7, 2022
Witty and observant . Another very brave woman moving to Denmark, not able to speak the language or infact any language.
Funny moments of being in a communal changing room and not knowing where to look or behave, the Danes directive talking and the really difficult to understand lack of the word please in their dialogue.
Something I’ve never seen in a book is Keri’s request for the reader to give feedback. I remember as a child writing to authors and getting responses and I felt so important. So this is a wonderful new thing I’ve not seen before. I wonder if she stayed?
Funny moments of being in a communal changing room and not knowing where to look or behave, the Danes directive talking and the really difficult to understand lack of the word please in their dialogue.
Something I’ve never seen in a book is Keri’s request for the reader to give feedback. I remember as a child writing to authors and getting responses and I felt so important. So this is a wonderful new thing I’ve not seen before. I wonder if she stayed?
April 27, 2025
As an American who has lived in New Zealand and currently living between the USA and Denmark as I wait for my CPR number, I really enjoyed this book. Though I found it so much harder to make friends in New Zealand than Denmark. It is filled with fun anecdotes about the two countries that I love.
July 11, 2022
I Loved it!!
Similar to Keri, I left my home country and moved to Denmark. Thankfully the UK isn’t quite so far away as NZ but some days it certainly feels it!
I opened the book and started reading. Keri talks about her first observations on her arrival. Yes we had one of those Copenhagen bathrooms where you could pee and shower at the same time… our second apartment has a big enough bathroom that we could probably hold a party in there… (often the difference between old and newer apartments!). My pastry consumption was often my reason to leave the apartment too. (Today’s choice was a Stor Snegl from one of the supermarket bakeries… maybe Wednesday I’ll venture out for an Ondagssnegl from Sankt Peders…)
I laughed and in places got choked up and nearly cried. I recognised so much of Keri’s journey in my own as I figure how to be more Danish and less like a sore thumb. I get asked by friends in the UK when I’ll come home while I get asked by my Dane friends how I’m doing and how I’m settling in. Module 2 of Danish lessons is happening but I’m still not very good. I think I need more practice but the idea of speaking Danish and getting it wrong terrifies me some days. But it will come. I hope with time it will come. And who knows maybe one day when I get stopped in the street for directions I won’t freak out! Currently I sort of look puzzled and hope my broken Danish makes sense!
Similar to Keri, I left my home country and moved to Denmark. Thankfully the UK isn’t quite so far away as NZ but some days it certainly feels it!
I opened the book and started reading. Keri talks about her first observations on her arrival. Yes we had one of those Copenhagen bathrooms where you could pee and shower at the same time… our second apartment has a big enough bathroom that we could probably hold a party in there… (often the difference between old and newer apartments!). My pastry consumption was often my reason to leave the apartment too. (Today’s choice was a Stor Snegl from one of the supermarket bakeries… maybe Wednesday I’ll venture out for an Ondagssnegl from Sankt Peders…)
I laughed and in places got choked up and nearly cried. I recognised so much of Keri’s journey in my own as I figure how to be more Danish and less like a sore thumb. I get asked by friends in the UK when I’ll come home while I get asked by my Dane friends how I’m doing and how I’m settling in. Module 2 of Danish lessons is happening but I’m still not very good. I think I need more practice but the idea of speaking Danish and getting it wrong terrifies me some days. But it will come. I hope with time it will come. And who knows maybe one day when I get stopped in the street for directions I won’t freak out! Currently I sort of look puzzled and hope my broken Danish makes sense!
July 16, 2023
Full disclosure: I love Copenhagen. My family and I lived there for a little over a decade and while I recognized (and laughed along) with so many of Keri's observations, what I enjoyed most was reading about how our experiences of living abroad differed.
For us, Denmark was a part of our journey as (apparently career long) expats. For Keri, partnering and having a baby with "The Dane" meant a very different experience, including the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of assimilation into a nation of only 6 million. From the frustration of learning Danish to coming to terms with the social cues and norms she was expected to know, Keri's path was cobbled very differently from my own, which made it that much more enjoyable to read.
We adored our time in Denmark, but that adoration came from being expats (migrant workers?) who just happened to be living in Copenhagen. Keri's experience is much deeper and complex, and her connections are too.
For this Copenhagen fan, reading Nothing Like a Dane was like having coffee and kanelsnegle with a friend.
For us, Denmark was a part of our journey as (apparently career long) expats. For Keri, partnering and having a baby with "The Dane" meant a very different experience, including the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of assimilation into a nation of only 6 million. From the frustration of learning Danish to coming to terms with the social cues and norms she was expected to know, Keri's path was cobbled very differently from my own, which made it that much more enjoyable to read.
We adored our time in Denmark, but that adoration came from being expats (migrant workers?) who just happened to be living in Copenhagen. Keri's experience is much deeper and complex, and her connections are too.
For this Copenhagen fan, reading Nothing Like a Dane was like having coffee and kanelsnegle with a friend.
July 15, 2022
Fascinating! Not sure I would do well in Denmark with the don't talk to strangers 'rule' and apparent lack of spontaneity, but I love the culture of biking everywhere and the babies sleeping in their prams outside! If you did this in NZ I am sure OT would be called quicksmart. Now I wonder if anyone has written a similar book about learning to live in NZ and having to navigate all the oddities that we Kiwis think are normal!
January 17, 2024
Audiobook. This had a few interesting tidbits about Danish culture but unfortunately I found that very much overshadowed by the author’s both (strangely enough) unemotional and negative perspective about the Danes and about the journey of from New Zealand to Denmark. Too many complaints about how things weren’t the way she was used to them being, and not really showing significant learning/interest or growth in how she eventually (hopefully) found things in Denmark to love or be interested in.
July 1, 2023
Nothing Like A Dane by Keri Bloomfield
The Story 📚
After bumping into a random Danish man in a bar in her home country of New Zealand, Keri didn’t think that some time later she would find herself moving across the world with their little baby to set up a new life together in Denmark. The land of hygge, pastries and vikings - and of course a different language.
Keri’s uniquely witty personality shines through in her story of adapting to a new culture, and all the challenges that brings. From classroom settings, babies sleeping outside and a fair share of public nudity. Just how hard can it be for a Kiwi to fit in to the Danish life?
The Review 👩🏻💻
As an expat living in Denmark for 2 years, it’s safe to say that I related to so much of Keri’s experience! Particularly every single thing about language school!! Really enjoyed this aspect being covered. If you’re interested in Danish life, moving to or are currently living in Denmark as a foreigner - then I highly recommend. Keri includes so many extra side notes giving you lots of info and tips on Danish culture and life.
Obviously no two experiences of moving to a new country are the same, and I didn’t marry a Dane like Keri did! But I enjoyed that the setting was Copenhagen based, and that made the book a lot more relatable to me than other things I may have read.
I highly recommend giving the author a follow here on Instagram. @keri.bloomfield gives some lovely daily life insights into Denmark, and I have followed her account on my personal page since moving to Denmark.
🇩🇰
Tak for en dejlig bog Keri. Jeg nød virkelig at læse den! Bogen ville være interessant for danskere som et indblik i fremmede menneskers liv i Danmark.
The Story 📚
After bumping into a random Danish man in a bar in her home country of New Zealand, Keri didn’t think that some time later she would find herself moving across the world with their little baby to set up a new life together in Denmark. The land of hygge, pastries and vikings - and of course a different language.
Keri’s uniquely witty personality shines through in her story of adapting to a new culture, and all the challenges that brings. From classroom settings, babies sleeping outside and a fair share of public nudity. Just how hard can it be for a Kiwi to fit in to the Danish life?
The Review 👩🏻💻
As an expat living in Denmark for 2 years, it’s safe to say that I related to so much of Keri’s experience! Particularly every single thing about language school!! Really enjoyed this aspect being covered. If you’re interested in Danish life, moving to or are currently living in Denmark as a foreigner - then I highly recommend. Keri includes so many extra side notes giving you lots of info and tips on Danish culture and life.
Obviously no two experiences of moving to a new country are the same, and I didn’t marry a Dane like Keri did! But I enjoyed that the setting was Copenhagen based, and that made the book a lot more relatable to me than other things I may have read.
I highly recommend giving the author a follow here on Instagram. @keri.bloomfield gives some lovely daily life insights into Denmark, and I have followed her account on my personal page since moving to Denmark.
🇩🇰
Tak for en dejlig bog Keri. Jeg nød virkelig at læse den! Bogen ville være interessant for danskere som et indblik i fremmede menneskers liv i Danmark.
January 25, 2023
There are so many laugh out loud moments in Keri’s writing as she takes us through the journey of moving to a new country.
Nothing Like a Dane is a collection of Keri’s experiences during her move from New Zealand to Denmark. What makes her writing jump off the page is that Keri and her experiences are relatable. It often felt a little like hearing from a good friend, which makes the book enjoyable and easy to read. Keri takes us through all the parts of life that will be familiar to anyone who has moved to a new country - unfamiliarity, setting up a home, social etiquette, making friends and learning a new language. She also takes us through her experiences of life that are so unique to Denmark, and if you have an interest or experience in Denmark you will smile at her descriptions of Danish interior design, pastries, hygge, Christmas, New Years and hedges. The book is designed with short chapters that take us through her journey but are also independent of one another, which makes it a fantastic book to pick up and read in our busy lives.
I loved this book. I loved making a cup of tea and reading a chapter or two while the kids played. I loved saying to my Dane “listen to this” and laughing together at something we both recognised. I loved picking it up at lunch during a hard day at work and resetting my mood. I loved reading it on rainy days in the train.
What I didn’t love was the fact it made me snort with laughter on the train. Now that was a bit embarrassing…
Nothing Like a Dane is a collection of Keri’s experiences during her move from New Zealand to Denmark. What makes her writing jump off the page is that Keri and her experiences are relatable. It often felt a little like hearing from a good friend, which makes the book enjoyable and easy to read. Keri takes us through all the parts of life that will be familiar to anyone who has moved to a new country - unfamiliarity, setting up a home, social etiquette, making friends and learning a new language. She also takes us through her experiences of life that are so unique to Denmark, and if you have an interest or experience in Denmark you will smile at her descriptions of Danish interior design, pastries, hygge, Christmas, New Years and hedges. The book is designed with short chapters that take us through her journey but are also independent of one another, which makes it a fantastic book to pick up and read in our busy lives.
I loved this book. I loved making a cup of tea and reading a chapter or two while the kids played. I loved saying to my Dane “listen to this” and laughing together at something we both recognised. I loved picking it up at lunch during a hard day at work and resetting my mood. I loved reading it on rainy days in the train.
What I didn’t love was the fact it made me snort with laughter on the train. Now that was a bit embarrassing…
March 28, 2023
What a pleasure to read! Nothing Like a Dane is a very well-written memoir style book that has you laugh (sometimes out loud!), cry, cringe and wonder. Keri Bloomfield writes in a very easy-to-digest way, however with heart, wit and honesty.
The book is perfect for someone who’s planning to move to Denmark, it’s perfect for someone’s who’s already moved here - as it will make you feel you’re definitely not alone - and I even think this book should be a must-read for everyone in Denmark who has anything to do with a foreigner: Be it a partner, a friend, a colleague.
Keri’s book offers great insight into the wonderful and fascinating but at the same time confusing and overwhelming experience that it is to move to this country of hygge and unpronounceable rye bread.
Nothing Like a Dane is informative - full of side notes offering plenty of insider information about Denmark and the Danish culture - but most importantly: It’s an entertaining and heart-warming read.
If you were looking for a recommendation, here you have mine! Don’t hesitate, grab your copy of Nothing Like a Dane right now!
The book is perfect for someone who’s planning to move to Denmark, it’s perfect for someone’s who’s already moved here - as it will make you feel you’re definitely not alone - and I even think this book should be a must-read for everyone in Denmark who has anything to do with a foreigner: Be it a partner, a friend, a colleague.
Keri’s book offers great insight into the wonderful and fascinating but at the same time confusing and overwhelming experience that it is to move to this country of hygge and unpronounceable rye bread.
Nothing Like a Dane is informative - full of side notes offering plenty of insider information about Denmark and the Danish culture - but most importantly: It’s an entertaining and heart-warming read.
If you were looking for a recommendation, here you have mine! Don’t hesitate, grab your copy of Nothing Like a Dane right now!
September 13, 2023
Whether or not you've lived in a foreign country, you will love this book. Keri Bloomfield has a great way with words that draws you in and makes you want to keep reading. I found the book to be light-hearted yet unafraid to broach some of the tougher times, too. For those who have lived in a foreign country this book is pretty much essential reading - I'm a New Zealander who's lived in Belgium and I found myself relating to SO many of her experiences from having experienced a Belgian version of them myself! (Shameless plug - wideeyedkiwi.wordpress.com documented my experiences over there).
If you're thinking of travelling long term to a different land, especially if you're monolingual, I feel like this book is required reading, to prepare you for how different things will be for you when you get there!
You know what - even if you've no intention of living elsewhere but are part of the dominant culture in your homeland, pick up this book. It will give you an insight to the utter bewilderment that intelligent migrants are hit with when trying to assimilate and establish a life in a land that's so different to all they've known.
Aside from all that, I also learnt a lot about Denmark and the Danes while reading this book, too, and it was all fascinating!
We are in week 37 of the year, and I challenge you to read this book before week 52. #iykyk ;)
If you're thinking of travelling long term to a different land, especially if you're monolingual, I feel like this book is required reading, to prepare you for how different things will be for you when you get there!
You know what - even if you've no intention of living elsewhere but are part of the dominant culture in your homeland, pick up this book. It will give you an insight to the utter bewilderment that intelligent migrants are hit with when trying to assimilate and establish a life in a land that's so different to all they've known.
Aside from all that, I also learnt a lot about Denmark and the Danes while reading this book, too, and it was all fascinating!
We are in week 37 of the year, and I challenge you to read this book before week 52. #iykyk ;)
August 7, 2023
I loved this book! I suppose, prior to reading it, I'd never really thought about what it would be like to move to a country where I don't speak the language. As a family, we moved to New Zealand in 1976 and there were one or two different customs we had to get used to but being able to communicate in the same language as the kiwis made it relatively easy to adjust. Keri writes about her experiences as a kiwi adjusting to life in Denmark with such honesty, great humour and sometimes some sadness but it all makes a wonderful read. Keri's description of the customs which are second nature to her Dane were a real eye-opener; one example being the precise expected timing of arrival when visiting friends and another being the way babies are left outside shops in their prams! Thank you, Keri for sharing your personal life in such a warm, funny and open way - I'm looking forward to a sequel to your "real-life search for hygge in Denmark" whenever you find time to write another book.
May 14, 2022
This was a beautiful read that frequently had me laughing or crying as I followed Keri’s journey, moving herself and 4 month old daughter away from everything she knew to a new country on the other side of the world.
I kept thinking, ‘I hope the Dane was worth it’, as she faced each new challenge with her wonderful sense of humour and perceptiveness.
Clearly he was, and clearly Keri’s unique insight into being foreign in a new country has grown her in all ways that matter. Thanks to her writing this all down, it’s an opportunity to grow the reader as well and I am grateful.
This book would appeal to travellers, new immigrants, Kiwis, Danes, people wanting to be Kiwi, or Danish, or anyone who just wants a good read to get lost in.
Highly recommend.
I kept thinking, ‘I hope the Dane was worth it’, as she faced each new challenge with her wonderful sense of humour and perceptiveness.
Clearly he was, and clearly Keri’s unique insight into being foreign in a new country has grown her in all ways that matter. Thanks to her writing this all down, it’s an opportunity to grow the reader as well and I am grateful.
This book would appeal to travellers, new immigrants, Kiwis, Danes, people wanting to be Kiwi, or Danish, or anyone who just wants a good read to get lost in.
Highly recommend.
February 13, 2023
As an international in Denmark, I have often reflected about living here.
Keri Bloomfield book, “Nothing Like a Dane” has done a brilliant job of putting these reflections into print.
It should be a must read for anyone landing on danish shores. It will resonate with all internationals, not just learning about the Danish habits or traditions, but gives a great insight into living in 🇩🇰
It’s really funny, lighthearted and I actually laughed out loud! Other parts made me tearful as it transported me back to the early years when I was miserable living here and trying to find my place😳
Thank you Keri for putting into words so beautifully everything I would want to say about marrying a viking and fitting into a new country 🤗
Keri Bloomfield book, “Nothing Like a Dane” has done a brilliant job of putting these reflections into print.
It should be a must read for anyone landing on danish shores. It will resonate with all internationals, not just learning about the Danish habits or traditions, but gives a great insight into living in 🇩🇰
It’s really funny, lighthearted and I actually laughed out loud! Other parts made me tearful as it transported me back to the early years when I was miserable living here and trying to find my place😳
Thank you Keri for putting into words so beautifully everything I would want to say about marrying a viking and fitting into a new country 🤗
May 16, 2022
Loved it from beginning to end - wonderful, insightful, Keri's wry sense of humour comes to the fore. Thrust in to an unknown culture where pastries aren't called "danish pastries' ( but they taste great if not better), babies sleep in their prams outside, window coverings aren't exactly derigour ( nude neighbours and early, early mornings in summer) and she's learning the language as she goes, this journey is not for the faint hearted.
Keri invites you along for the fun, frivolous and down right hard core acclimitisation of the rules and idiosyncrasies of living in Denmark. You will laugh out loud - I promise!
Looking forward to the sequel.
Keri invites you along for the fun, frivolous and down right hard core acclimitisation of the rules and idiosyncrasies of living in Denmark. You will laugh out loud - I promise!
Looking forward to the sequel.
July 31, 2022
I initially bought the book for my mum to read during a trip home to New Zealand and the sentence "Oh Keri from the book said that too!" became a common sentence during the rest of my stay. It shows how many of Keri's experiences mirror my own.
As a New Zealander who also lives in Denmark with a Dane, I felt Keri managed to describe the challenges faced when moving to a new country in a humourous way without trivializing the difficulties of such a life.
Both my mum and I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can encourage anyone else with a connection to Denmark or an interest in living between cultures to give it a read.
As a New Zealander who also lives in Denmark with a Dane, I felt Keri managed to describe the challenges faced when moving to a new country in a humourous way without trivializing the difficulties of such a life.
Both my mum and I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can encourage anyone else with a connection to Denmark or an interest in living between cultures to give it a read.
May 2, 2023
I Arrived in Denmark 7 months ago and two weeks after I managed to buy this book and this has been my exploring guide. I, indeed nod in agreement and snort in amusement on every page I turn next to. It may be on the bus, train and mostly in my room. When I knew that I was about to end the book for some reason it made me teary because I feel, Keri. I felt her words and somehow has been my guide the very past few months. I recommend you in reading this book if you're into finding your place in this country - tried striking up a conversation with a Dane with a topic from this book and our talk took hours! I will miss you, Keri! Thank you and looking forward for part two! God Bless you.
September 15, 2023
Keri provides excellent insight into the fish out of water sensation of moving to Denmark from a non-Scandinavian country. As an expat in Denmark myself, many of her observations and experiences resonated, helped me laugh, and perhaps reach a little more peace with my time here. People who have never ventured to Denmark may wonder how accurate her depictions of Danish life are--be assured, they are on point. Learning about a new culture is always interesting, but living it day-today brings on a whole wealth of experiences. Thanks Keri, for helping me feel like "it's not just me!" I couldn't put it down.
December 25, 2023
Firstly, I loved the audiobook as it's narrated by the author herself! An absolute treat. Love a kiwi accent
I was expecting this book to be about funny anecdotes about Denmark and all the difficulties people face when moving continents, but this book is so much more. We see glimpses of Bloomfield's soul and how she shares some painful events about her life with the world, but always staying positive and hopeful. Or it could be the kiwi accent!
After reading (or listening to) the book you'll be routing for Bloomfield and praying everything works out for her in the end. Waiting for the next book to see where she's at.
I was expecting this book to be about funny anecdotes about Denmark and all the difficulties people face when moving continents, but this book is so much more. We see glimpses of Bloomfield's soul and how she shares some painful events about her life with the world, but always staying positive and hopeful. Or it could be the kiwi accent!
After reading (or listening to) the book you'll be routing for Bloomfield and praying everything works out for her in the end. Waiting for the next book to see where she's at.
February 17, 2024
Loved reading this book after having it on my ønskeliste for jul. Having also been an 'international' away from my homeland whilst trying to raise two, small half-vikings, learn danish and find a job there were so many parts I could relate to. It's not always easy and it was nice to hear I am not alone in a lot of the experiences I've encountered living over here.
I loved Keri's sense of humour and style of writing and very much enjoyed reading her story. I think it's a great read for anyone, especially those recently moved or considering a move over to Denmark 🇩🇰 I look forward to hopefully reading more from her in the future.
I loved Keri's sense of humour and style of writing and very much enjoyed reading her story. I think it's a great read for anyone, especially those recently moved or considering a move over to Denmark 🇩🇰 I look forward to hopefully reading more from her in the future.
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