Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't be Wrong: What makes the French so French

Format:	Paperback 368 pages

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Synopsis

The French drink, smoke and eat more fat than anyone in the world, yet they live longer and have fewer heart problems than the English and the Americans. They work 35-hour weeks and take seven weeks' paid holiday each year, yet they are the world's fourth-biggest economic power. So how do they do it? From a distance modern France looks like a riddle. It is both rigidly authoritarian, yet incredibly inventive; traditional (even archaic) yet modern; lacking clout on the international stage yet still hugely influential. But with the observations, anecdotes and analysis of the authors, who spent nearly three years living in France, it begins to makes sense. 'Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong' is a journey into the French heart, mind and soul. This book reveals French ideas about land, food, privacy and language and weaves together the threads of French society, uncovering the essence of life in France and giving, for the first time, a complete picture of the French.

Book details

Published
28/04/2004

Publisher
Robson Books Ltd

ISBN
9781861057150

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UK Kirkus review

Jean-Benoit Nadeau and Julie Barlow, two Canadian journalists, have produced a fascinating guide to les Francais and la France, which should appeal to Francophiles and Francophobes alike. Their thoroughly researched book may not change opinions or dispel any myths about our continental neighbours, but it will help to explain their attitudes and modus operandi. Anyone who has lived in France will identify immediately with the joys and frustrations of Nadeau and Barlow, as they grapple with the politics, education, food and language of the country. Charles de Gaulle asked: "How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese?" Nadeau and Barlow have given it their best shot to understand how the French have answered this question, flinging themselves whole-heartedly into life outre-manche. By weaving anecdotes and observations with history, they have succeeded and in turn created an interesting and unique read. (Kirkus UK)