endurance trial
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First book made me laugh out loud .. second two I have had to force myself to finish as a friend loaned them to me and I was determined to finish them - really puerile humour with the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
Don't waste your time on his two sequels as it will ruin the fond memories of the first book.
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magnifique merde!!!
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Stephen Clarke has excelled here with his second installment. He has added more depth and colour to his line up of characters. He has a rapier wit which has improved from the first book and his story arc works better in this book too.From his descriptions of the boy hugging the tea urn to the will he or wont he get the girl the book threads its way wonderfully through the character's evolution.
I am a stickler for a well written story as well as good substance and from that I can thoroughly recommend this series of books as a dose of light hearted humour - and to all those expecting Bill Bryson well I can think of one word- CONNARD!!!!!
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I've Been Merded On!
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Stephen Clarke is a funny guy, there is no question of that. He writes fantastically and is a breath of fresh air.
However, I am genuinely absolutely gutted that his books are all novels and not real life true travel writing experiences which make these books just a lot of drivel. Why tell the story in the first person of someone who doesn't even exist?
The whole thing is a con and we have been duped. I don't really care who Paul West is. I want to know who Stephen Clarke is. Travel writing should not be fiction. It just shouldn't be. We the reader should feel part of the journey with the author but you just can't do that with a fictional character.
The writing style gets 5 stars. However, I've only given this one star because of the above.
Would you feel the same way about Bill Bryson if you found out all his had been written from his secluded office in Des Moines rather than he went out and saw the world? No you wouldn't.
I rest my case.
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Nothing Merde about this book
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Steven Clarke returns with his second collection of hapless antics as he valiantly tries to build a life in France, this time to build a tea room in Paris. Dangerous drivers, domineering in - laws, French burocrats and complicated matters of the heart are just some of the hurdles he encounters as he ricochets from one mishap after another.
His insights into the French and their way of life are truly hilarious and this book will make you laugh out loud. Both French and English people would benefit from his experiences and linguists can also learn some interesting words and phrases that they would never find in text books.
For a light - hearted and entertaining read, you could do a lot worse than to grab this book and settle down for good laugh.
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A light hearted humorous novel
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Merde Actually by Stephen Clarke is a light hearted humorous novel. The novel is about an English man (Paul) continued adventure in France. He can be described a little bit of a womaniser, bit ignorant and a little naive of French culture, which he struggles to accept. The novel location is set in Paris and in the beautiful surrounding areas of the countryside and coastal area.
Merde Actually is a real flavour of French culture which can be characterised in a number of ways. The prominent features of French culture include their passion for art, boutiques and the wide distrubution of coffee shops. The novel is clear indication the French are really proud of their culture and even go to great lengths to preserve their cultural values by avoiding foreign intrusion. This novel provides a real appreciation of the endless humour in the minds of the reader.
A few key references include how French people percieve typical English' s society. A prime example to illustrate this point is a cafe shop opened up by Paul and French think that butlers are needed as servants. The English joke about the French way of life as in drinking coffee in a bowl, which perceived as being unusual and weird. These are some of shuttle jokes pointed out in the novel, which are interesting facts and makes you laugh.
Merde Actually is a narration of what life is really like for an English man in France. It is meant be bit of light reading, with a well balanced combination of humour and factual details delivered in some kind of story through a distinguish writing style. Why not sample a taste of French culture by reading Merde Actually?
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