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偏見法國：正解還是誤解？關於法國的41個迷思、綺想與真相
對於法國，世人有太多偏見和想像——
法國女人無比時尚，而且不會胖，每個男人都有情婦，風流倜儻；
法國人不愛洗澡、頭上總頂著貝雷帽；他們餐餐蝸牛鵝肝，無酒不歡；
法國人工作懶散，而且罷工是絕對必然……
可是，在這些想像和偏見背後，法國，她究竟是什麼真實模樣?
世人對法國的印象往往建立在一連串的偏見和迷思上。這些謬解的矛盾讓法國人在外人心中總顯得神祕莫測，擁有世人無法理解的不可思議特質。不過，當扭曲成刻板印象的迷思變成一個國家的形象，那可就值得好好檢視了。
《偏見法國》從法國的飲食、性愛、禮儀、政治、歷史、生活態度，以及法、英這兩個「最親密的敵人」的糾葛情仇觀點，破解世人無不熟悉的四十一個「偏見」，細膩呈現一個讓全世界愛恨交織的文化的真實面貌。
伊特薇筆下的觀察結合了淵博史實、大眾文化、精妙語言和個人第一手記錄，從幽默趣味和廣博知識切入，不見浮濫淺薄的老梗觀點，而有英式幽默特有的棉裡藏針口吻，深入剖析世人對於法國的各樣偏見和幻想的對與錯，內容敘述辛辣，妙趣橫生，而且解析細膩獨到，讓讀者能以各種「偏見」，去理解這個總教人又愛又憎的高盧文化！
法國女人無比時尚，而且不會胖，每個男人都有情婦，風流倜儻；
法國人不愛洗澡、頭上總頂著貝雷帽；他們餐餐蝸牛鵝肝，無酒不歡；
法國人工作懶散，而且罷工是絕對必然……
可是，在這些想像和偏見背後，法國，她究竟是什麼真實模樣?
世人對法國的印象往往建立在一連串的偏見和迷思上。這些謬解的矛盾讓法國人在外人心中總顯得神祕莫測，擁有世人無法理解的不可思議特質。不過，當扭曲成刻板印象的迷思變成一個國家的形象，那可就值得好好檢視了。
《偏見法國》從法國的飲食、性愛、禮儀、政治、歷史、生活態度，以及法、英這兩個「最親密的敵人」的糾葛情仇觀點，破解世人無不熟悉的四十一個「偏見」，細膩呈現一個讓全世界愛恨交織的文化的真實面貌。
伊特薇筆下的觀察結合了淵博史實、大眾文化、精妙語言和個人第一手記錄，從幽默趣味和廣博知識切入，不見浮濫淺薄的老梗觀點，而有英式幽默特有的棉裡藏針口吻，深入剖析世人對於法國的各樣偏見和幻想的對與錯，內容敘述辛辣，妙趣橫生，而且解析細膩獨到，讓讀者能以各種「偏見」，去理解這個總教人又愛又憎的高盧文化！
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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About the author
Piu Marie Eatwell
5 books167 followersPiu Eatwell is a writer based in Paris, France.
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June 12, 2023
Knyga, deja, nebuvo tokia įdomi, kaip kitoms, pasitaikiusioms, "prancūziškom" knygom. Kadangi jaučiu silpnybę Prancūzijai ir kažkada mokėjau ne vien "Coman cava? Cava bien", bet ir daugiau, tai kiek liūdna, kad knyga man kiek kėlė nuobodulį.
Knygoje nagrinėjami mitai apie prancūzus ir tikrinami faktiškai kiek tiesos jose yra. Skamba tikrai įdomiai, bet man užkliuvo keletas dalykų:
1. Labai daug informacijos, "post scriptum", citatų, papildomų įdomybių, kas man labai trukdė įsitraukti į tekstą, nes neatradau kaip patogiau viską perskaityt, kad nepamesčiau gijos.
2. Labai erzino vardai. Atrodė niekaip neapsispresta kuria kalba geriau rašyti: lietuviškai ar prancūziškai. Tad tokie vardai kaip Dominique'o Strausso-Kahno, Georges'as Clemenceau man tikrai labai badė akis.
3. Autorė atliko milžinišką darbą rašant knygą, bet galėjo kiek konkrečiau ir glausčiau viską surašyti. Atrodė, kad visą atkapstytą informaciją norėjo sugrūsti į vieną tekstą.
Jei tokie dalykai jums nemažina ūpo,tai imkite ir skaitykite, nes tikrai įdomių dalykėlių prirašyta yra. :).
Knygoje nagrinėjami mitai apie prancūzus ir tikrinami faktiškai kiek tiesos jose yra. Skamba tikrai įdomiai, bet man užkliuvo keletas dalykų:
1. Labai daug informacijos, "post scriptum", citatų, papildomų įdomybių, kas man labai trukdė įsitraukti į tekstą, nes neatradau kaip patogiau viską perskaityt, kad nepamesčiau gijos.
2. Labai erzino vardai. Atrodė niekaip neapsispresta kuria kalba geriau rašyti: lietuviškai ar prancūziškai. Tad tokie vardai kaip Dominique'o Strausso-Kahno, Georges'as Clemenceau man tikrai labai badė akis.
3. Autorė atliko milžinišką darbą rašant knygą, bet galėjo kiek konkrečiau ir glausčiau viską surašyti. Atrodė, kad visą atkapstytą informaciją norėjo sugrūsti į vieną tekstą.
Jei tokie dalykai jums nemažina ūpo,tai imkite ir skaitykite, nes tikrai įdomių dalykėlių prirašyta yra. :).
March 29, 2017
Piu Marie Eatwell. “They Eat Horses, Don't They?”
Let’s take childhood discipline, “la fessée – or smack on the bottom – is a venerable French institution, which 64 per cent of French parents in a recent survey were not ashamed to admit to using.” Piu Marie Eatwell is not afraid to tackle the French world and its many stereotypes. She writes further about the education of the children in the chapter about French children not throwing food: “French schooling makes a fetish out of everything Anglo-American pedagogy condemns: rote learning, absorption of massive amounts of information, dictation, competition between pupils, and the ritual humiliation of those unable to keep up."
She rides with her lance into such things as French hygiene, nudity on the beaches, smoking, food fetishes and does a very palatable job of destroying the myths. Yes, most beaches are topless, some are full on nude, but the French have really taken to nudist family resorts. The French do eat horses, but so do other countries and most of the meat is imported. (Most snails are also imported, although there is a fine snail farm just down the road from our village.)
Throughout the book, one is amazed at this ex-pat’s love and knowledge of all things Gallic. Yes, the left bank is over-rated and has been since the 1920’s, but it is still a lovely place. Yes, the French all go on vacation on August 1st. But there are reasons for it all. As someone who has spent about five years among the French, I can verify what she writes about. We also learn that behind every stereotype hangs a truth.
The chuckles are many, and Piu Marie Eatwell walks a fine line in her sophisticated repartee to the whole problem of “surrender monkeys” and Liberty, Equality, and Brotherhood. That last element may have grown thin in light of recent geopolitical events. However, the book is a delightful read.
Let’s take childhood discipline, “la fessée – or smack on the bottom – is a venerable French institution, which 64 per cent of French parents in a recent survey were not ashamed to admit to using.” Piu Marie Eatwell is not afraid to tackle the French world and its many stereotypes. She writes further about the education of the children in the chapter about French children not throwing food: “French schooling makes a fetish out of everything Anglo-American pedagogy condemns: rote learning, absorption of massive amounts of information, dictation, competition between pupils, and the ritual humiliation of those unable to keep up."
She rides with her lance into such things as French hygiene, nudity on the beaches, smoking, food fetishes and does a very palatable job of destroying the myths. Yes, most beaches are topless, some are full on nude, but the French have really taken to nudist family resorts. The French do eat horses, but so do other countries and most of the meat is imported. (Most snails are also imported, although there is a fine snail farm just down the road from our village.)
Throughout the book, one is amazed at this ex-pat’s love and knowledge of all things Gallic. Yes, the left bank is over-rated and has been since the 1920’s, but it is still a lovely place. Yes, the French all go on vacation on August 1st. But there are reasons for it all. As someone who has spent about five years among the French, I can verify what she writes about. We also learn that behind every stereotype hangs a truth.
The chuckles are many, and Piu Marie Eatwell walks a fine line in her sophisticated repartee to the whole problem of “surrender monkeys” and Liberty, Equality, and Brotherhood. That last element may have grown thin in light of recent geopolitical events. However, the book is a delightful read.
February 19, 2016
Surprisingly amusing book about French stereotypes. The French eat cheese. They drink wine at every meal. French women don't get fat. French children don't throw food. The French are relaxed about adultery. France is a country of cheese-eating surrender monkeys. You've heard of these and other stereotypes. What's true? What's made-up? What has some truth to it that has somehow morphed into something else?
The author takes a few pages to look at each myth that deal with a variety of topics. Some of these were those that I was aware of, others I did not know and had never heard of or hadn't realized they were stereotypes. Eatwell does a pretty good job in laying out the historical context as to how these myths came about, and talks about what's true, what's false, what's partly true, what's changing, etc. I thought it was amusing and light, although some reviewers question her use of statistics.
That said, it's not really a book you can really sit down and read through (I didn't think so). Maybe for someone who is really into France and French culture, but this was more suited to dipping in and out, reading topics that interested me and skipping those that didn't. There's also a brief sentence or a few at the very end that summarizes what's true/false/changing/in-between, etc. I also wished the author had a list of resources to check out: either other books or media or websites, etc.
I enjoyed it, but glad I got it as a bargain book. It might make an excellent gift for a student studying abroad/traveling to France or someone who is going to France for the first time or would like these type of books.
The author takes a few pages to look at each myth that deal with a variety of topics. Some of these were those that I was aware of, others I did not know and had never heard of or hadn't realized they were stereotypes. Eatwell does a pretty good job in laying out the historical context as to how these myths came about, and talks about what's true, what's false, what's partly true, what's changing, etc. I thought it was amusing and light, although some reviewers question her use of statistics.
That said, it's not really a book you can really sit down and read through (I didn't think so). Maybe for someone who is really into France and French culture, but this was more suited to dipping in and out, reading topics that interested me and skipping those that didn't. There's also a brief sentence or a few at the very end that summarizes what's true/false/changing/in-between, etc. I also wished the author had a list of resources to check out: either other books or media or websites, etc.
I enjoyed it, but glad I got it as a bargain book. It might make an excellent gift for a student studying abroad/traveling to France or someone who is going to France for the first time or would like these type of books.
August 22, 2018
Jaučiuosi apsišvietusi bei pakoregavusi savo pažiūras-žinias į išvajotąją ir tiek suromantintą Prancūziją ir Paryžių. Šios šalies mėgėjams bei žmonėms norintiems daugiau apie ją sužinoti, tikrai siūlau persiskaityti, juo labiau, kad informacija apima labai skirtingas bei įdomias sritis. Tikrai atrasite nė vieną atradimą, o kai ką gal ir žinomo. Prancūzų mėgėjams privaloma literatūra :D
April 6, 2016
I've long been charmed by the French. That reputation for elegance, high culture and the best food. The streets of Paris are mired in dog shit, their crap public toilets and that peculiar unmasculine-looking machismo. I generalize with love.
Eatwell share many of the same observations. She writes with a delightful, idiosyncratic Anglo mix of admiration for and humor toward her French subjects. I don't agree with all of her take-aways. But I do so love her summation of how French women seem to have and do it all. Well, they don't really. We Anglo-Americans are projecting a bit based on misinformation or small sampling. And to the extent that they do do it all, much of it is a result of their more statist way of life. The French pay high taxes and cede control of what we in the US and UK think of as the personal. Thus, freeing up time (in addition to the time saved by skipping the dog mess) for la mode et la coiffure.
I also enjoyed Eatwell's clarification of French savior-vivre as public sphere role play. Keeping up with the haute bourgeoisie is fatigant! While they have some serious rituals and routines among themselves, in public with strangers they can be aloof and rude. I love it all.
Eatwell share many of the same observations. She writes with a delightful, idiosyncratic Anglo mix of admiration for and humor toward her French subjects. I don't agree with all of her take-aways. But I do so love her summation of how French women seem to have and do it all. Well, they don't really. We Anglo-Americans are projecting a bit based on misinformation or small sampling. And to the extent that they do do it all, much of it is a result of their more statist way of life. The French pay high taxes and cede control of what we in the US and UK think of as the personal. Thus, freeing up time (in addition to the time saved by skipping the dog mess) for la mode et la coiffure.
I also enjoyed Eatwell's clarification of French savior-vivre as public sphere role play. Keeping up with the haute bourgeoisie is fatigant! While they have some serious rituals and routines among themselves, in public with strangers they can be aloof and rude. I love it all.
February 14, 2015
It seems it is always a 'foreigner' who writes these types of books about the french and it seems like
they know it all i.e. - their culture, language, society, et al. Well, this time it is a roast beef or pommey who has her opinion about the french and their 'myths.' Each chapter is devoted to a particular myth about the french, for example one chapter is ' the french are the #1 consumers of cheese ' and how she either supports or debunks that theory and she'll explain the types of cheeses they have, some that are becoming extinct, raw vs. pastuerized, etc. And at the end she'll either state that the myth is true or false or somewhere inbetween. Other myths include : the french don't wash, french toilets are repellent, the french don't eat fast food, french countryside are so chic, etc. etc. It borders on the absurd on some of the topics or myths she talks about, in my opinion. In order to experience it yourself what a country is i.e. - France, Germany, England, etc. one has to visit it own their own to establish your own opinions and thoughts on the matter.
they know it all i.e. - their culture, language, society, et al. Well, this time it is a roast beef or pommey who has her opinion about the french and their 'myths.' Each chapter is devoted to a particular myth about the french, for example one chapter is ' the french are the #1 consumers of cheese ' and how she either supports or debunks that theory and she'll explain the types of cheeses they have, some that are becoming extinct, raw vs. pastuerized, etc. And at the end she'll either state that the myth is true or false or somewhere inbetween. Other myths include : the french don't wash, french toilets are repellent, the french don't eat fast food, french countryside are so chic, etc. etc. It borders on the absurd on some of the topics or myths she talks about, in my opinion. In order to experience it yourself what a country is i.e. - France, Germany, England, etc. one has to visit it own their own to establish your own opinions and thoughts on the matter.
December 31, 2014
I won this in the giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
Eatwell takes the most popular misconceptions/stereotypes about France and the French and explores how accurate they are. This was brilliant, with a great mix of interesting and fun facts. The writing style was easily accessible and I came away feeling that I'd had an educational read as well as getting some pleasure from it. A worthwhile book.
Eatwell takes the most popular misconceptions/stereotypes about France and the French and explores how accurate they are. This was brilliant, with a great mix of interesting and fun facts. The writing style was easily accessible and I came away feeling that I'd had an educational read as well as getting some pleasure from it. A worthwhile book.
February 27, 2025
This book was truly so charming!!! I didn’t read it cover to cover, but my husband and I read it in bed by picking a chapter each night that we found interesting. This book mixes history, culture, myths, intrigue, and humor with incredibly thorough research that allowed us to learn so much about Paris and the French.
Although its “2013-ness” can come off as a bit off-color or blasé at times, I feel like the author writes about Parisians with great humor and fondness. I loved how she deep-dove into where disdain or disapproval of the French comes from—turns out, it has a lot to do with British and American soldiers encountering the French during wartimes!
This book got us so excited for our upcoming trip, and was way more interesting than a history book or documentary. J'adore ce livre!
Although its “2013-ness” can come off as a bit off-color or blasé at times, I feel like the author writes about Parisians with great humor and fondness. I loved how she deep-dove into where disdain or disapproval of the French comes from—turns out, it has a lot to do with British and American soldiers encountering the French during wartimes!
This book got us so excited for our upcoming trip, and was way more interesting than a history book or documentary. J'adore ce livre!
September 15, 2022
一邊看著這位英格蘭人在捅破浪漫法國的西洋鏡，一邊回想起 Battle of Hastings 中諾曼騎士的詭敗戰術，哄得英方盾牆潰散。百年戰役的遺產似乎沒離開過，在接下來的許多個一百年，英法依然愛恨交織。不禁令我想起一幫佻皮的居港英語使用者，常常在 Facebook 群組中將居港法人叫做法棍，哈哈。
基本上世人對法國的誤會都不是偏見，而是偏愛。東亞人再不認識高盧文化，也懂得 82 年 Lafite、愛吃芝士、提奢侈手袋、穿小資時裝。作者堂堂英國人請纓為之除魅（他的老爺甚至是名英國終身男爵，似乎僅僅出於丈夫工作緣故攜幼定居法國），無疑令人笑話他們不夠大方。此點上作者也不是沒自覺。我想，毗鄰文化之間總是持續較勁、自省、吸納、嬗遞。多一些迷思，彷彿給自己多一點改進的動力。
法國田野鬱蔥，英國湖光山色，你看我好，我又看你好，兩國人豈不是都要拜倒對方裙下！興許文化自豪感就是讓你覺得「隔籬飯香」時，仍然不吝嗇給故土的愛。英語諺語不也說「The grass is always greener on the other side」嗎？足見妒忌不分國界。又如作者 Eatwell 所云，光查淨出境數不夠全面，且看多少移民水土不服打道回府。當中有人誤會魁北克是廣袤的法國，有人在意巴黎鐵路芳香四溢。進進出出是常態，錢鍾書早就看透了。
此書適合對法國不知何故地貿然仰慕的人，我就是小時候衝去學法語的一員；又適合即將啟程往法國的人，有好多回閱讀時我都心羨在地朋友有得走一趟書中點名的洛特省 Saint-Cirq-Lapopie 地道風光或是 倚科西嘉島 Porto Vecchio 暢游。如果今天還沒聽過巴黎很髒、巴黎人很無禮，你應該沒有朋友。可都活不只一兩天了，還以為世上有那麼一處脫俗的「浪漫之都」，不加保留，這種人讀美麗新世界都不諳落引號的，更加要讀一讀這本書。
基本上世人對法國的誤會都不是偏見，而是偏愛。東亞人再不認識高盧文化，也懂得 82 年 Lafite、愛吃芝士、提奢侈手袋、穿小資時裝。作者堂堂英國人請纓為之除魅（他的老爺甚至是名英國終身男爵，似乎僅僅出於丈夫工作緣故攜幼定居法國），無疑令人笑話他們不夠大方。此點上作者也不是沒自覺。我想，毗鄰文化之間總是持續較勁、自省、吸納、嬗遞。多一些迷思，彷彿給自己多一點改進的動力。
法國田野鬱蔥，英國湖光山色，你看我好，我又看你好，兩國人豈不是都要拜倒對方裙下！興許文化自豪感就是讓你覺得「隔籬飯香」時，仍然不吝嗇給故土的愛。英語諺語不也說「The grass is always greener on the other side」嗎？足見妒忌不分國界。又如作者 Eatwell 所云，光查淨出境數不夠全面，且看多少移民水土不服打道回府。當中有人誤會魁北克是廣袤的法國，有人在意巴黎鐵路芳香四溢。進進出出是常態，錢鍾書早就看透了。
此書適合對法國不知何故地貿然仰慕的人，我就是小時候衝去學法語的一員；又適合即將啟程往法國的人，有好多回閱讀時我都心羨在地朋友有得走一趟書中點名的洛特省 Saint-Cirq-Lapopie 地道風光或是 倚科西嘉島 Porto Vecchio 暢游。如果今天還沒聽過巴黎很髒、巴黎人很無禮，你應該沒有朋友。可都活不只一兩天了，還以為世上有那麼一處脫俗的「浪漫之都」，不加保留，這種人讀美麗新世界都不諳落引號的，更加要讀一讀這本書。
September 14, 2020
This book is worth reading if you love French culture or are planning a trip to France.
As a French person, I am always interested in finding out about what foreigners think of us. I learned actually a lot more than expected as Eatwell traces the origins of the myths she explores with a lot of little known facts. I was surprised and impressed at how much research she has done.
Even if this book is not perfect and I wish Eatwell would have mentioned the French arrogance and their bad-temper, she covered 45 myths about us, and that's already a lot more than I knew existed.
Eatwell stresses how tourists experience a big disconnect between modern-day France (a country that has changed tremendously the past 50 years, like many others) and the romantic idea people cultivate and would like to find. You may want to read that book if you are about to visit France and don't know much about the culture.
She made me laugh out loud and her humor makes it quite an enjoyable read!
As a French person, I am always interested in finding out about what foreigners think of us. I learned actually a lot more than expected as Eatwell traces the origins of the myths she explores with a lot of little known facts. I was surprised and impressed at how much research she has done.
Even if this book is not perfect and I wish Eatwell would have mentioned the French arrogance and their bad-temper, she covered 45 myths about us, and that's already a lot more than I knew existed.
Eatwell stresses how tourists experience a big disconnect between modern-day France (a country that has changed tremendously the past 50 years, like many others) and the romantic idea people cultivate and would like to find. You may want to read that book if you are about to visit France and don't know much about the culture.
She made me laugh out loud and her humor makes it quite an enjoyable read!
March 9, 2015
As a teacher of a regular, General Education course (in English) on contemporary France, I am always in the market for books on the French, and this one not only is extremely well written and well organized, but also contains so many myriad details about myths (from abroad) about the French that nearly every chapter offers much to learn. I will probably xerox and use several of the chapters to supplement the usual, unsurpassed book on the French (Nadeau & Barlow's 60 Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong). Although the author tries to draw in the American perspective (and succeeds in many chapters), the predominant view is the British/French love-hate relationship.
January 18, 2016
You can tell the author really went all out and did extensive research to prove if French stereotypes are definitely fact or fiction. I found some of the topics that she covered to be very interesting and funny but there were other topics that really were "too much" for me to want to read about; especially the ones involved with politics. Reading this did make me want to visit France even more now, to see if I'll see the things that were mentioned in this book.
February 1, 2016
Not my cup of tea. The author uses questionable statistics to prove or disprove the many clichés she perceives surround the reputation of the French. Although I suppose it is a tad humorous at times and even informational, the stereotypes are old and annoying to even consider. I prefer to make my own conclusions about people and never does that include entire races. Someone might enjoy this type of book and I give it 2 stars only because of all of her research and because it has a cute cover.
June 23, 2016
Really interesting for anyone interested in the culture and myths of culture of France. Should definitely be read by anyone planning to travel to France.
Emminently readable, very well researched and organised. I learned a lot and had a few laughs too.
I'm planning to get it for some French friends for Christmas.
Emminently readable, very well researched and organised. I learned a lot and had a few laughs too.
I'm planning to get it for some French friends for Christmas.
February 26, 2016
A pseudo-scholarly checklist of Anglo-Saxon myths about the French. Some useful nuggets, but lots of footnotes and references got in the way of reading.
July 13, 2015
Amusing debunking of myths about the French.
October 16, 2018
A book about British perceptions of France and a few French perceptions of Britain that examines each stereotype to see if there is any truth behind it. The book is filled with interesting facts about how France compares to the rest of Europe. For example, the highest per capita consumption of wine and cheese is not in France but in Vatican City and Greece respectively. The structure of the book, however, limits its scope as it only examines those aspects of French culture that are known from popular British stereotypes. I expected a more comprehensive analysis of French society. A fun read but there are other entertaining books about France by expats that cover more ground including 60 Million Frenchman Can't Be Wrong by Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoît Nadeau.
June 30, 2020
I enjoyed finding out how certain stereotypes came to be and what truths they are rooted in. I rated it 3 stars only because some stats and figures in the book are now a bit dated.
I loved how the book concluded as well. Because I couldn't say it better myself:
"You will never master the basics of the French way of life. Because, in many ways, the 'French way of life' - formal, hierarchical, state-controlled and prescriptive - is diametrically opposed to the individualism and freedom that lies at the heart of Anglo-Saxon society."
I believe that goes for American culture as well. There are soo many "guides" that provide tips on how to live more like the French while ignoring this very point.
I loved how the book concluded as well. Because I couldn't say it better myself:
"You will never master the basics of the French way of life. Because, in many ways, the 'French way of life' - formal, hierarchical, state-controlled and prescriptive - is diametrically opposed to the individualism and freedom that lies at the heart of Anglo-Saxon society."
I believe that goes for American culture as well. There are soo many "guides" that provide tips on how to live more like the French while ignoring this very point.
June 19, 2021
The book is put together like a meal. The Title of the first section is labeled “Aperitif,” where we learn a little about French food. We also get an insight of what the author (and many readers, probably) think about French live.
The first chapter (The King of Cuisines) tells us that French cuisine if the best in the world and that the French do NOT eat horses. In the lead chapter, we are told the the French don’t eat fast food (very funny piece), the French drink wine with every meal (some more humor) and the chapter ends with the French don’t get drunk. (pp. 17-99).
While it’s not a book of substance about international issues. the mix of food, culture, French people, and culture delivers well.
The first chapter (The King of Cuisines) tells us that French cuisine if the best in the world and that the French do NOT eat horses. In the lead chapter, we are told the the French don’t eat fast food (very funny piece), the French drink wine with every meal (some more humor) and the chapter ends with the French don’t get drunk. (pp. 17-99).
While it’s not a book of substance about international issues. the mix of food, culture, French people, and culture delivers well.
June 8, 2018
Well written with plenty of humour. Very different to the romantic stuff written by most foreigners residing in France. I have to admit I skipped a couple of chapters that didn’t hold much interest to me but overall it was an insightful and entertaining read.
December 8, 2017
Fulfill my dream by reading "French culture"
October 21, 2018
Didn't finish. It was well researched but fairly dry reading. My time spent reading was better devoted elsewhere.
May 30, 2021
Interesting observations of the French society. We can pay attention to how they use policies to encourage high birth, and also not burdening housewives.
June 2, 2021
Interesting book about french food culture, French ladies, French relationships...
March 6, 2022
Interesting read!
October 11, 2016
I'm going to France soon. This was the perfect before-the-trip read. The author did her research; she was funny and intellectual in her approach, and I enjoyed this one. Recommended to those planning to visit France.
December 19, 2023
This book was inescapable in my favorite part of the bookstore back when it came out ten years ago. But, given my general indifference to things French at the time, coupled with my mild antipathy towards snarky travel writing, means that I've never actually gotten around to reading it. In a drought, and spotting this at the library, I decided to give it a whirl.
I wasn't missing much, at least when one considers my rather persnickety list of attributes such a book must have. The whole idea seems like a miss to me -- author Eatwell takes a 'mythbusters' approach, listing dozens of common myths and then doing research to either confirm or refute them. But the thing is, the show Mythbusters does this with a degree of humor and elan, plus they blow lots of stuff up on camera. It's a can't-miss formula for entertainment. This book, though, was doggedly earnest, no matter what the blurbs say, and also addresses a lot of questions that I can't imagine anybody really cares about. French people eat at McDonalds? Quel horror! The Left Bank is no longer filled with philosophers? Stop the presses!
Still, while her 'research' reads like articles from Madmoiselle magazine, occasionally she finds a memorable quote:
I decided to skip the whole chapter on pubic hair.
People who are really into facts about France and the French will probably have some fun here.
I wasn't missing much, at least when one considers my rather persnickety list of attributes such a book must have. The whole idea seems like a miss to me -- author Eatwell takes a 'mythbusters' approach, listing dozens of common myths and then doing research to either confirm or refute them. But the thing is, the show Mythbusters does this with a degree of humor and elan, plus they blow lots of stuff up on camera. It's a can't-miss formula for entertainment. This book, though, was doggedly earnest, no matter what the blurbs say, and also addresses a lot of questions that I can't imagine anybody really cares about. French people eat at McDonalds? Quel horror! The Left Bank is no longer filled with philosophers? Stop the presses!
Still, while her 'research' reads like articles from Madmoiselle magazine, occasionally she finds a memorable quote:
The French chef and restauranteur Marcel Boulestin, patron of London's prestigious Restaurant Francais in the late 1920's, is reputed to have said, 'It is not really an exaggeration to say that peace and happiness begin, geographically, where garlic is used in cooking.'Nice. The 'is reputed to' seems unnecessarily pedantic in a book of this sort, though, and she follows this up with a boring five sentences describing garlic's alleged medicinal properties, with no actual data to back any of it up. Quel shaking la tete.
I decided to skip the whole chapter on pubic hair.
People who are really into facts about France and the French will probably have some fun here.
May 11, 2021
I can't recall precisely when I finished, but the book is a quick enjoyable light read. Probably the same year as when I got the book.
First, I've have had French horse on one of my first trips to France about 1999 or 2000. It's tasty. My friend Karen used to own horses. And she (Western) was very pragmatic, always aware of the price of horse meat in France.
Also, Capt. Robert Falcon Scott chose to eat Siberian ponies over dogs. I have also eaten whale (2 places) and walrus.
Clearly the book is more about the French than mere food.
Piu Marie Eatwell is a slightly lighter romp than the Culture Shock book series like Culture Shock! France.
Read They Eat Horses, Don't They?: The Truth About the French for yourself. You might find yourself amused (depends how much travel you have done (I was sort of just getting started)).
First, I've have had French horse on one of my first trips to France about 1999 or 2000. It's tasty. My friend Karen used to own horses. And she (Western) was very pragmatic, always aware of the price of horse meat in France.
Also, Capt. Robert Falcon Scott chose to eat Siberian ponies over dogs. I have also eaten whale (2 places) and walrus.
Clearly the book is more about the French than mere food.
Piu Marie Eatwell is a slightly lighter romp than the Culture Shock book series like Culture Shock! France.
Read They Eat Horses, Don't They?: The Truth About the French for yourself. You might find yourself amused (depends how much travel you have done (I was sort of just getting started)).
February 1, 2015
Do you love Froglit? How French women stay slim and raise wonderful, polite children? Eatwell introduces the real France. As she notes, the authors of Froglit are correct for the small world they know, a narrow group of well-to-do in Paris. Eatwell is British and has lived in France many years. Her book is written for a British audience, which doesn't matter, because Americans share many of the same stereotypes.
Eatwell discusses each stereotype with reference to how it evolved in history. Did you know the beret image refers to Brittany onion sellers biking around England? The beret is a local hat, not a national one. Then she discusses the reality of the stereotype. It turns out the French are more prudish than we imagine. And they have the largest families in Europe because the government encourages and pays for such.
I have read many books on France over the years by people who have lived there, or people writing for visitors. None has offered the rich history and charm of this volume. You can dip into any chapter too. Anyone interested in the French or planning a visit must read this book. It would make a great gift to a traveller as well, not for its tourist information, but for its wisdom.
My tourist advice: In Paris, when you need help, Say "Bonjour, J'ai une probleme." The French love to help out. And yes, do not smile!
Eatwell discusses each stereotype with reference to how it evolved in history. Did you know the beret image refers to Brittany onion sellers biking around England? The beret is a local hat, not a national one. Then she discusses the reality of the stereotype. It turns out the French are more prudish than we imagine. And they have the largest families in Europe because the government encourages and pays for such.
I have read many books on France over the years by people who have lived there, or people writing for visitors. None has offered the rich history and charm of this volume. You can dip into any chapter too. Anyone interested in the French or planning a visit must read this book. It would make a great gift to a traveller as well, not for its tourist information, but for its wisdom.
My tourist advice: In Paris, when you need help, Say "Bonjour, J'ai une probleme." The French love to help out. And yes, do not smile!
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