Seriously British: A Frenchman’s Adventures in Britain

by Fred Sirieix

'This book is my love letter to the UK, and a celebration of all of the things that I have come to adore, from its food and wine to its history and villages. Vive les Anglais!'


This is what (a lot of) the French think about the

the food is bland and boring
the wine is undrinkable
it's always raining and grey
the British don't have sex
they're meek, mild and reserved
they've got no sense of style
they're arrogant

And anyway, who would want to swap a juicy steak au poivre for deep fried cod and chips?

Fred Sirieix would. Ever since he boarded a P&O ferry bound for Dover with a one-way ticket and just two suitcases, he has been in love with the UK. Working as a waiter at the famous three-Michelin-starred restaurant La Tante Claire in Chelsea aged just 20, he learned English, met people from all walks of life, and went dancing until dawn. It was glorious madness. His appetite for life propelled him to sample everything this country could culture, travel, drink and food… always food.

From the pastel-coloured beach huts on the Southwold Promenade to the coast of Oban; from stumbling across Stonehenge to strolling past St Paul's Cathedral; from the explosive first taste of salt and vinegar crisps to being introduced to Indian curries; and from deciphering regional expressions to loving a woman say 'je t'aime' like Jane Birkin – this is Fred's mission to debunking French myths about the Brits.

'Moving here was the best decision I have ever made. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité is still dear to my heart, but so is my personal learn forever, enjoy life and make a difference. I've got Britain to thank for that.'

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2024

Reviews

[Julie Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Fred very obviously loves the British Isles and he’s most welcome. He doesn’t dislike France, he just loves it here more. His observations on the British condition, quirks, foibles, self-deprecation and weather talk, of which we could definitely win if it were to become an Olympic sport, were amusing. He is not unlike Peter Kay, in this respect. It was very heartening to read a positive book about Britain, in the current political climate. (Nope, I’ve not gone back to weather!) Thank you, Fred. Your joie de vivre is truly infectious.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! I love Fred anyway and chose this as an audiobook, it felt like I was just having a chat with Fred.

I find it fascinating how he's actually lived in England for longer than he lived in France, so he's really quite British, yet he still has his very strong French accent! This was a really good book, featuring everything Fred loves about his new country, and the differences between his home country and Britain. A little bit of history thrown in which was really interesting and just a great read.

I really enjoyed the stories of his life and how he came to be in Britain in the first place, what made him come back after his first trip and all his personal opinions of why Britain is so great. I really found it nice how much he loves Britain and the comparisons between the natives of both Britain and France!

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with this. I started it last year but gave up. I was determined to get it done thought. The basic premise is that Fred discusses Britain from the perspective of a French man. There are downsides, the first being Britain does not really mean Britain, the discussion is is mostly about the south of England. Secondly a lot of the book is discussing him and his life, imo if he was chocolate he would eat himself. Obvs only my opinion!!

[Melanie Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me a while. Whilst I could hear Fred’s voice reading to me in my head, and I appreciated the historical references and stories I wasn’t hooked.
Definitely a ‘dip in and out’ style book. Surprisingly well researched and interesting but something missing to keep me wanting to pick it back up.

[Lisa Harlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge Fred Siriex fan and this book is just so him! Funny anecdotes and stories about the French and the British, how we are both very similar and poles apart. Not too long ago read. I finished it in a couple of days

[Louise Bath · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

[Emma Jennings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having seen Fred on stage at the Cheltenham Literature festival, I felt I knew the stories already. An easy enjoyable read non the less

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

So relatable from a fellow Frenchie starting over in England!

[Polly Perks · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable love letter to all aspects of British culture, with some insight into Fred’s life and background as well.

[Stephen Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This turned out to be more entertaining than anticipated, and surprisingly contemplative. It even made me re-evaluate how I feel about being British these days.

[Joshua Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting insight into Britain as a foreigner. well narrated too.

[Hannah Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love you, Fred 🤍